Patient Perspectives on Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder and Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable Formulations: Findings from a National Online Survey

BackgroundLong-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) has been positioned as a potentially transformative option for opioid use disorder (OUD), in part because patient experiences reported in qualitative studies emphasize reduced daily burden, increased "freedom," reduced stigma, and fewer pressures related to diversion--while also noting barriers such as insufficient information, early adverse experiences, and concerns about coercion. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional online survey of adults recruited from the Behavioral Health Research Panel (BHRP). Eligibility included age [≥]18, English literacy, and OUD diagnosis or problematic opioid use within the past 5 years. Survey content assessed buprenorphine experience, knowledge and attitudes toward LAIB, attribute preferences, and open-text feedback. Descriptive statistics were generated; analyses were stratified by buprenorphine experience (experienced vs naive). ResultsAmong 105 participants, 82.9% reported prior buprenorphine use, and 17.1% were buprenorphine-naive. Overall, 53.3% preferred a long-acting injection regimen (weekly/monthly/3-monthly) versus 46.7% preferring a daily oral tablet/film. Convenience and adherence-related themes (e.g., not missing doses, fewer visits) drove LAIB preference, while oral-route preference and concerns about side effects and safety were prominent among those favoring oral formulations. ConclusionsIn this national convenience sample, preferences were nearly evenly split between daily oral and long-acting injectable buprenorphine regimens, with a slight overall preference for LAIB. Findings align with the qualitative literature, emphasizing the practical and psychosocial benefits of LAIB, alongside persistent needs for improved education, shared decision-making, and attention to tolerability, safety perceptions, and cost/coverage barriers.