The Buprenorphine Diversion Myth | Recovery Dialogues & Sober Stories
In this brief multi‑speaker segment from the Recovery Dialogues & Sober Stories program, the participants confront the common misconception that buprenorphine (Suboxone) is widely diverted for recreational use. Speaker A argues that the belief in rampant diversion is not supported by evidence and that stigma arises from this myth. Speaker B cites studies indicating that individuals who purchase buprenorphine on the street do so primarily to self‑treat opioid dependence, not to get high. The discussion highlights systemic access problems that push people to obtain medication illicitly. The speakers adopt a harm‑reduction stance, asserting that it is preferable for someone to acquire buprenorphine informally and move toward recovery than to withhold the medication out of fear of diversion. The segment repeatedly affirms that “Recovery is possible,” ending with a program sign‑off. The overall message is that diversion, when it occurs, often benefits people who need treatment, and that reducing stigma and improving legitimate access are essential for supporting recovery.
