Exploring the Italian Experience with Long-Acting Buprenorphine Formulations (Laib) for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
A Series of Narrative Interviews
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15499591 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Vincenza Ariano (Tartu Health Care College), Anna Francesca Costanzo (ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco), Gemma Ferrante (Institute of Applied Science and Intelligent Systems), Rossella Garofano (Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services), Vincenzo Lamartora (Institute of Applied Science and Intelligent Systems), Sergio Manfré (Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo), Deborah Nordici (University of Trieste), Lorenzo Somaini (0000-0003-1827-5689, Ospedale degli Infermi, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 336-336 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-07 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph23030336 |
| PMID | 41899713 |
| OpenAlex | W7134119325 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 23 |
Long-Acting Buprenorphine Formulations (LAIB) have emerged as an alternative pharmacological approach for opioid use disorder, offering potential benefits extending beyond clinical stabilisation. Narrative medicine provides a unique approach to understand patients' perspectives and experiences with sublingual buprenorphine and LAIB dispensed to fourteen patients across different Italian Addiction Services, examining how they impact the emotional, social, and motivational dimensions of recovery. Narratives were analysed by thematic content across eight domains: dependence on daily treatment regimen, emotional impact, self-perception, determination to change, quality of life, craving and withdrawal symptoms, treatment adherence, social burden, and therapeutic relationship. Statements were categorised by valence; experiential patterns were qualitatively analysed. Sublingual buprenorphine, although effective, was associated with reduced autonomy, symptom control, and difficulties in balancing treatment, work and life. These aspects were correlated with worse adherence. The stigma and burden of daily intake can reduce motivation and hinder identity reconstruction. In this setting, transitioning to LAIB resulted in improved self-autonomy, emotional balance, symptom control, self-esteem, and reduced daily and psychological burden, craving and stigma, facilitating social reintegration, and strengthening the therapeutic relationship. The results emphasise the importance of including both experiential and narrative elements in clinical care, as this helps create more tailored, recovery-focused treatment pathways
Addiction · Buprenorphine · Craving · Experiential learning · Motivational interviewing · Narrative · Opioid use disorder · Thematic analysis · Mental Health via Writing · Opioid Use Disorder Treatment · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
Mortality risk during and after opioid substitution treatment
Comparative Effectiveness of Different Treatment Pathways for Opioid Use Disorder
Exploring patient experience and satisfaction with depot buprenorphine formulations
The experience of buprenorphine implant in patients with opioid use disorder
The dynamics of more-than-human care in depot buprenorphine treatment
| Highly cited | No |
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