ArticleDrug and alcohol dependence reports2026
Discontinuing extended-release buprenorphine: Participant experiences from a mixed-methods observational study.
Article in Drug and alcohol dependence reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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7 authors.
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Abstract
Background: Although clinical guidelines support long-term buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), evidence guiding planned discontinuation is limited. Extended-release buprenorphine (BUP-XR) produces a slow decline in plasma concentrations that may function as a natural taper. This study examined clinical and qualitative outcomes following planned BUP-XR discontinuation. Methods: This observational study followed participants for 6 months after BUP-XR discontinuation and included qualitative interviews exploring perspectives on discontinuation. Eligibility: adults with ≥ 12 months BUP-XR treatment, controlled OUD and other substances, and joint provider-participant agreement on treatment discontinuation. Primary endpoint: successful treatment discontinuation at 6 months, defined as no consistent self-reported nonmedical opioid use (≥1 day/week for 4 consecutive weeks or 7 consecutive days) and not restarting long-term OUD treatment due to withdrawal symptoms or nonmedical opioid use. Results: Twelve participants enrolled; one excluded for ineligibility. Eleven completed 6-month follow-up; 10/11(90.1%) met successful discontinuation criteria. Withdrawal symptoms were generally mild, nonpersistent, and resolved by Month 6. Opioid craving remained low throughout. No deaths, pregnancies, overdoses, or withdrawal-related adverse events occurred. One participant experienced non-study-related adverse events: pneumonia/empyema with hospitalization and macrocytic anemia. At interviews (on average 12 months post-discontinuation), all participants remained off treatment without persistent opioid use; one reported a brief, time-limited return to opioid use. Participants described minimal opioid withdrawal, low craving, and stable functioning across domains. Conclusion: After long-term BUP-XR treatment, discontinuation was effective and well tolerated over 6 months. BUP-XR's pharmacokinetic profile may safely support a gradual taper when paired with patient-centered care, psychosocial support, and ongoing engagement.
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