Buprenorphine diffusion: The attitudes of substance abuse treatment counselors

Hannah K. Knudsen, Lori J. Ducharme, Paul M. Roman, Tanja Link

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

102 Scopus citations

Abstract

In October 2002, the Food and Drug Administration approved buprenorphine for use in the treatment of opioid dependence. Successful diffusion, adoption, and implementation of this medication within the treatment field depend in part on substance abuse counselors. Using questionnaire data obtained from 2,298 counselors in community-based treatment programs in the private and public sectors between June 2002 and July 2004, we explored the diffusion of this new treatment technique. Analyses indicate that a substantial proportion of the clinical workforce is unaware of the effectiveness of buprenorphine in the treatment of opiate addiction. Several variables predicted counselors' attitudes toward buprenorphine. Predictors included receipt of buprenorphine-specific training, educational attainment, years of experience, and 12-step orientation. Implications for the diffusion of this and other emerging treatment techniques are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)95-106
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2005

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
We thank the NIDA for its research support (Grant Nos. R01DA14482 and R01DA13110).

Keywords

  • Buprenorphine
  • Counselor attitudes
  • Innovation diffusion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatric Mental Health
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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