Although
Eastern Kentucky has one of the nation's highest rates of prescription
painkiller addiction, few in the state are using burprenorphine
as treatment, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported June 5.
Traditionally, methadone has been used to treat individuals addicted to heroin
and other narcotics. However, the FDA has approved buprenorphine (sold as Suboxone
or Subutex) as an alternative because it is less likely to be misused and can
be dispensed in a doctor's office.
But Eastern Kentucky hospitals, clinics, and primary-care doctors are still unfamiliar
with the drug treatment. Lois Baker, chief executive officer at Mountain Comprehensive
Health Corp. in Whitesburg, said buprenorphine has been underutilized because
family doctors think the drug is only for use in detoxification centers and residential
treatment facilities.
"However, if it is something that can be used in a primary-care facility, then
I certainly would be interested in taking a closer look at it," Baker said.
Cathy Stout, director of treatment and education with Unlawful Narcotics Investigation,
Treatment and Education (UNITE) in Somerset, said there are no immediate plans
by the organization to encourage the medical community to prescribe buprenorpine. "So
far we're not an advocate for that type of treatment," she said.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),
4,000 doctors nationwide have completed the certification requirements to use
buprenorphine. In Kentucky, only 12 providers are certified.
"Buprenorphine alone is not a silver bullet for opioid addiction, but it can
open the door to recovery and provide the opportunity to regain lost lives," said
SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie.
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