Methadone superior to buprenorphine based on retention rates
Abstract
An analysis based on data for more than 40,000 users of agonist medication treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in British Columbia, Canada, has found less favorable population health outcomes associated with buprenorphine/naloxone compared with methadone. The research team reported that any reduced mortality risk for buprenorphine patients while in treatment was offset by poorer treatment retention with buprenorphine.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
HIV
Drug Use
Sexual Risk
Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly
- Volume
- 38
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 1–8
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN