RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Buprenorphine for opioid dependence JF Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin JO Drug Ther Bull FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 20 OP 24 DO 10.1136/dtb.2007.45320 VO 45 IS 3 YR 2007 UL http://dtb.bmj.com/content/45/3/20.abstract AB Relevant BNF section: 4.10In England and Wales, estimates suggest around 250,000 people have serious drug problems such as dependency, that cause considerable harm to themselves and others, and give rise to high social and economic costs.1 The number of people receiving specialist treatment for drug problems has increased greatly in recent years.2 Many people dependent on opioids will require opioid substitution treatment at some time. This may involve long-term maintenance to reduce use of illicit drugs, and/or short-term detoxification to stop such use completely. Standard management involves methadone maintenance therapy.3 Buprenorphine (Subutex – Schering-Plough) is also licensed for the management of patients with opioid dependence.4 Here we review the evidence for the use of buprenorphine compared with methadone for opioid dependence.