Buprenorphine diversion and misuse in outpatient practice

This case is an amalgamation of several real patients in office-based treatment for prescription opioid dependence synthesized into a single theoretical case. The case illustrates the various ways in which medication diversion and misuse may be encountered in clinical practice and therapeutic responses designed to maximize positive treatment outcomes. It is followed by discussions from several expert addiction medicine providers from 3 different countries, giving their perspectives on the salient aspects of this case. This case conference should be of particular interest to clinicians working with opioid-dependent patients in an outpatient setting.