RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Against Our Instincts: Decriminalization of Buprenorphine JF The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine JO J Am Board Fam Med FD American Board of Family Medicine SP 394 OP 397 DO 10.3122/jabfm.2022.02.210308 VO 35 IS 2 A1 Messinger, John C. A1 Chukka, Anand A1 Boyd, J. Wesley YR 2022 UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/35/2/394.abstract AB The rate of overdose deaths has increased dramatically over the past 2 decades. Recently, efforts have been made to expand access to medications for opioid use disorder, such as buprenorphine, by removing X-waiver training requirements. However, relieving such barriers has also raised concern about increasing diversion rates for buprenorphine use, defined as the use of buprenorphine for some purpose or by someone other than it was originally intended. Historically, diversion has been addressed through the criminalization of buprenorphine possession without a prescription. We argue that while buprenorphine diversion is not to be condoned, the benefits of such actions greatly outweigh the harms. Thus, criminalization of diverted buprenorphine represents a dangerous and wasteful response that threatens the progress made through expanded access to this lifesaving medication.