The street price for an 8 mg dose of buprenorphine is approximately $31.60.
Calculating the Street Price of 8 mg Buprenorphine
Across the United States, the average street price for buprenorphine is approximately $3.95 per milligram. Given that 8 mg is a common dose of buprenorphine, the street price can be calculated by multiplying the per-milligram price by the dose.
Here's a breakdown of the calculation:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Street Price per Milligram | $3.95/mg |
| Dose | 8 mg |
| Estimated Street Price | $31.60 |
This calculated price represents a national average, and actual prices can fluctuate significantly depending on various market dynamics.
Factors Influencing Street Buprenorphine Prices
While an average price can be estimated, the actual street price for buprenorphine can vary considerably due to several factors:
- Geographic Location: Prices can differ widely from one region or city to another based on local supply and demand. Areas with higher availability or lower demand might see lower prices, and vice versa.
- Supply and Demand: Like any commodity, the price of buprenorphine on the street is heavily influenced by how much is available and how many people are seeking to buy it.
- Form of the Drug: Buprenorphine is available in various forms, such as sublingual tablets (e.g., Suboxone, Subutex) or films. The specific formulation might influence its street value.
- Local Market Dynamics: Relationships between buyers and sellers, the urgency of the sale, and the overall illicit drug market conditions in a specific area can all play a role in price setting.
- Purity and Authenticity: While harder to verify on the street, perceived purity or authenticity can also affect the price.
Understanding Buprenorphine on the Street
Buprenorphine is a medication primarily used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) and for pain management. When legally prescribed, it helps individuals manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. However, like many prescription medications, buprenorphine can be diverted from legitimate channels and sold on the illicit market.
Individuals may seek buprenorphine on the street for several reasons, including:
- Self-treatment for Opioid Withdrawal: To alleviate painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when access to formal medical treatment is unavailable or undesirable.
- To Prevent Withdrawal: As a means to avoid withdrawal between doses of other opioids.
- To Supplement Prescriptions: If a prescribed dose is perceived as insufficient, or if a prescription runs out.
It is crucial to understand that purchasing and using buprenorphine without a prescription carries significant health risks, including the potential for misuse, dependence, and adverse drug interactions, especially when combined with other substances like benzodiazepines or alcohol.
