Exploring prison buprenorphine misuse in the United Kingdom: a qualitative study of former prisoners

International Journal of Prisoner Health
Charlotte N E TompkinsL Sheard

Abstract

The United Kingdom Ministry of Justice recently highlighted the extent of buprenorphine (Subutex) misuse in English andWelsh prisons, naming it the third most misused drug overall. Yet little is known regarding how illicit buprenorphine is obtained in prison and what influences prisoners to use it. Qualitative research was used to explore prison drug using practices. Thirty men who were former prisoners with a history of injecting drug use were interviewed in depth about their illicit prison drug use, including buprenorphine. Interviews were conducted over 18 months, from August 2006 to January 2008 and were analysed using Framework. The misuse of Subutex by snorting emerged as a significant theme. Accounts suggested that the diversion of prison prescribed Subutex was widespread and prisoners used various tactics to obtain the medication. Various complex and interlinked reasons were given to explain why Subutex was snorted in prison. The main motivation for snorting was to experience a prolonged euphoric opiate effect, believed to help to combat the boredom of being in prison. The price of illicit Subutex in prison was linked to its availability, but it was generally cheaper than heroin, thus contributing to its use. Participan...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 1, 2011·International Journal of Prisoner Health·Alexander JohnstoneColin Martin
Jan 29, 2016·The International Journal on Drug Policy·Tara Marie Watson
Oct 4, 2014·Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society·Emma van DykenJochen F Mueller
May 31, 2015·The International Journal on Drug Policy·Kristian Mjåland
Jan 1, 2013·International Journal of Prisoner Health·Charlotte N E Tompkins

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