A comparison of methadone and buprenorphine–naloxone as opioidsubstitution therapy: he patient perspective in NHS Lanarkshire

This article was designed to assess the viewpoint of patients in NHS North Lanarkshire, on theuse of buprenorphine–naloxone versus methadone for opioid substitution. Ninety patientsfrom NHS Lanarkshire were questioned on comparing methadone and buprenorphine–naloxone treatment. Only one significant comparison was obtained from statistical analysisconducted (p50.05). This was evident for drug (methadone/buprenorphine–naloxone)and patient preference. The article finds that in comparison to methadone, patients receivingbuprenorphine–naloxone were highly positive about their treatment experiences and itsadvantages over methadone, including the ‘‘clear-headed response’’, improved well-beingand concentration, possibility of less social stigma, reduced craving, decreased side effects(especially drowsiness) and easier to withdraw from. As a result, about 57% of patients wouldconsider buprenorphine–naloxone treatment in the near future.