Diffusion and Diversion of Suboxone: An Exploration of Illicit Street Opioid Selling

Abstract

Interviews with fourteen opioid retail pill sellers provides an exploration into the diversion and diffusion of Suboxone to recreational (“week-end warriors”) drug users. The use of social media and electronic devices enables the diffusion of Suboxone to dependent and non-dependent opiate/opioid drug abusers. Overprescribing by physicians and prescribing in drug treatment settings fuels the diversion of Suboxone. The diversion and the diffusion of Suboxone have the potential to delay entrance into drug treatment and promote the misuse of the drug by both dependent opiate/opioid drug abusers and recreational users. The dilemma posed by Suboxone maintenance treatment will not be easily addressed or mitigated in the near future.

KEYWORDS.:

• Suboxone, misuse, diversion, diffusion and drug treatment

NOTE

Notes

a. The author distinguishes between the diversion and diffusion of Suboxone. The former denotes an illicit transfer or exchange of non-prescribed medication for distribution between people for barter or money. Diffusion denotes acceptance of an idea and how to use the product. A more detailed description of both of these processes is proffered later in the article. The generic term buprenorphine is used instead of Suboxone, although respondents use the trade name Suboxone. At times the author uses the trade name Suboxone when the context is appropriate.