%0 Journal Article
%T Attitudes and beliefs about Vermont's 2021 buprenorphine decriminalization law among residents who use illicit opioids
%J Drug and alcohol dependence
%D 2023
%A Feder, Kenneth A.
%A Harris, Samantha J.
%A Byrne, Lauren
%A Miller, Samantha M.
%A Sodder, Shereen
%A Berman, Vanessa
%A Livingston, Amy
%A Edwards, Jessica
%A Hartman, Shane
%A Sugarman, Olivia K.
%A Shah, Hridika
%A Xu, Justin
%A Raikes, Jewyl
%A Gattine, Sabrina
%A Saloner, Brendan
%V 250
%N 
%P e110879-e110879
%X BACKGROUND: In July 2021, Vermont removed all criminal penalties for possessing 224mg or less of buprenorphine. <br><br>METHODS: Vermont residents (N=474) who used illicit opioid drugs or received treatment for opioid use disorder in the past 90 days were recruited for a mixed-methods survey on the health and criminal legal effects of decriminalization. Topics assessed included: motivations for using non-prescribed buprenorphine, awareness of and support for decriminalization, and criminal legal system experiences involving buprenorphine. We examined the frequencies of quantitative measures and qualitatively summarized themes from free-response questions. <br><br>RESULTS: Three-quarters of respondents (76%) reported lifetime use of non-prescribed buprenorphine. 80% supported decriminalization, but only 28% were aware buprenorphine was decriminalized in Vermont. Respondents described using non-prescribed buprenorphine to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and avoid use of other illicit drugs. 18% had been arrested while in buprenorphine, with non-White respondents significantly more likely to report such arrests (15% v 33%, p<0.001). <br><br>CONCLUSION: Decriminalization of buprenorphine may reduce unnecessary criminal legal system involvement, but its health impact was limited by low awareness at the time of our study.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Elsevier Publishing
%@ 0376-8716
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110879