Review of Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Literature for Methadone or Buprenorphine as a Treatment for Opiate Addiction

August 29, 2007

Buprenorphine is increasingly viewed as an alternative to methadone for treatment of heroin addiction, particularly in large urban centers where heroin addiction is concentrated. This report, the second in a series commissioned by the Baltimore City Health Department, presents a review of recent scientific literature on the cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness of methadone and buprenorphine.

Also in this series of reports are: Heroin Addiction Treatment Correlates in Maryland; Opioid Exposure in Maryland Hospitals; Comparing Pre-Treatment to Post-Treatment Medicaid Utilization in Individuals Who Enter Methadone Therapy; and An Evaluation of Whether Medical Savings are Associated with Expanding Opioid Maintenance Therapy for Heroin Addiction in Baltimore City .