Securing buy-in for buprenorphine

An essential part of starting a medication assisted treatment (MAT) program with buprenorphine requires first securing support for its use from staff at all levels of the organization, along with clients, prescribers, the recovery community, and the criminal justice system.

Each of these groups may oppose MAT for any or all of the following beliefs:

  • Abstinence is the only route to recovery
  • Buprenorphine just replaces one drug with another
  • Clients will use the medication to get high or they’ll sell it on the street

Education and training about buprenorphine can help to secure buy-in for its use.