The use of buprenorphine and methadone for medical purposes continues to expand
Methadone and buprenorphine are the main substances used in substitution treatment for opioid dependent persons worldwide. Availability of both substances for medical use rose 10-fold over the last two decades and together they accounted for 37 per cent of all opioids used for medical purposes in 2024 – up from 9 per cent in 1998.
Large regional disparities in the availability of methadone and buprenorphine exist (expressed in S-DDDs) and the medical use of methadone is more widespread globally.
Among industrialized countries, the United States recorded the highest levels of methadone and buprenorphine use. In the rest of the world, only the Islamic Republic of Iran reported substantial availability of methadone for treatment purposes.
