Knowledge about buprenorphine and methadone among those receiving treatment for opioid dependence

Aims: To ascertain the level of knowledge about some of the effects of methadone and buprenorphine among 956 clients receiving treatment for opioid dependence at 9 public clinics and 50 community pharmacies in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using both research-administered and self-complete questionnaires assessed medication-specific knowledge (derived from a literature review and information contained within client treatment information booklets), answered only by those receiving that treatment type. Assessment of knowledge was performed by asking participants to agree or disagree with four statements about their medication. Findings: The majority of methadone clients were aware of the risks of overdose when methadone is taken by non-tolerant people and when methadone is mixed with other CNS depressants. Methadone clients were less aware of the protective effects of methadone in overdose and most believed that it rotted their teeth. Almost 50% of those on buprenorphine were not aware of the effects of dose increase on duration of action nor its relatively good safety profile compared to methadone. Buprenorphine clients were well informed about the importance of sublingual absorption and the risks of precipitated withdrawal. Conclusions: This study identifies significant gaps in the knowledge that opioid-dependent clients have about methadone and buprenorphine that may lead to suboptimal use of medications and ambivalence over treatment. In addition to the provision of written material service providers need to consider systems to ensure that clinical information concerning treatment is received and understood by clients.