Northeastern and Southern Regions of Country Account for Largest Increases in Buprenorphine Found in Law Enforcement Drug Seizures

Since 2003, the amount of U.S. law enforcement-seized buprenorphine analyzed by state and local laboratories has increased dramatically, surpassing that of methadone

.

According to data from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)'s National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS), the largest increases have occurred in the Northeast (from 49 in 2003 to 4,161 in 2010) and the South* (from 25 to 3,856). The estimated number of buprenorphine reports in the Midwest and West have also increased, but at a slower pace and at lower levels. In 2010, there were an estimated 1,689 buprenorphine reports in the Midwest and 831 in the West. To view the report, please click here.

SOURCES: Adapted by CESAR from data provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Office of Diversion Control, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Data Analysis Unit.