A slow release opioid substitute is helping opioid dependent patients get their lives back on track and has been described as ‘life-changing’ by those on the treatment.

More than 100 patients across Glasgow are now being treated with Buvidal, which is administered via monthly ‘depot’ injections by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Alcohol and Drugs Recovery Services teams.

The depot injection is an alternative way to deliver the drug buprenorphine, removing the need for patients to regularly attend pharmacies or worry about picking up prescriptions as once they receive their injection, they do not need another treatment for 28 days.

As a result, patients are able to focus on improving their lives and overall health. In an NHSGGC pilot involving 14 patients last year in Glasgow, more than six months after the trial, all patients remained engaged in structured activity such as working with recovery community, undertaking occupational therapy, employment, or employment training.

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