“A Lack of Empathy:” A qualitative study of Black people seeking treatment for opioid use disorder

Many participants described that their first experiences using buprenorphine involved using non-prescribed buprenorphine to self-manage withdrawal. Participants who had experienced buprenorphine treatment found it to be an effective treatment. Participants perceived the delivery of methadone maintenance treatment to be overly restrictive and unforgiving. The stigma of having a substance use disorder was felt to be compounded by the stigma of being a Black patient, leading to marginalization and discrimination during healthcare encounters. Participants desired compassionate, dignified, and individualized care in their OUD treatment.