Abstract
Aim: To present an account of six heroin addicts who have snorted buprenorphine (Subutex) and to provide a brief insight into their reasons for and experiences of snorting Subutex.Design: A case series of six patients studied using a semi‐structured questionnaire with a qualitative component.Setting and participants: A tier 3 NHS community drug treatment service in Birmingham. Six heroin dependent patients who reported having snorted Subutex.Findings: The practice of snorting Subutex seemed almost exclusive to prison settings. The sample snorted Subutex on average 4.8 times while in prison, always as a group activity and never overdosed on it. Reasons given for snorting Subutex included: it is safer than injecting, only a small amount required to get a buzz, peer influence and the relative ease of procuring Subutex in prisons. Patient experiences after snorting Subutex were: a ‘buzz’, similar to using heroin and some unpleasant experiences.Conclusions: Snorting Subutex seems particularly popular in prisons. Peer influence, contextual factors and availability of Subutex in prisons all play their part in initiating and maintaining this habit. Most patients seem to try snorting Subutex for a ‘buzz’, and reported feelings similar to a ‘gouch’, but often quicker in onset and shorter lasting. Prescribers should note this risk of misuse, especially if Subutex is dispensed un‐supervised.
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