Buprenorphine

Special Report: Methadone and Buprenorphine, 2003-2008

This DEA National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) Special Report presents findings on methadone and buprenorphine, two synthetic opioid analgesics. Use of narcotic analgesics for pain management and opioid treatment programs continues to increase in the United States, which has contributed to increases in opioid-related overdoses and fatalities. The abuse of pain relievers is now comparable to more prominent illicit drugs such as marijuana. For example, the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that the nonmedical use of prescription-type pain relievers by first-time users in the past year was equal to first-time users of marijuana (2.2 million). Use this link to view the report (pdf, 3.7 MB).

2010 National Drug Control Strategy

The 2010 National Drug Control Strategy was developed by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) with input from Federal, State, and local partners. It provides a collaborative and balanced approach that emphasizes community-based prevention, integration of evidence-based treatment into the healthcare system, innovations in the criminal justice system, and international partnerships to disrupt drug trafficking organizations. Use this link to view the strategy.