New hope for pain relief without addiction: buprenorphine study

This study looked at whether buprenorphine can effectively treat chronic pain in people who are dependent on opioid painkillers, while also reducing withdrawal symptoms and improving quality of life. It involved 4 adults with opioid dependence and chronic pain. The approach was to switch them from their current opioids to buprenorphine over 3 days and monitor pain and withdrawal. The study was terminated early, so results are limited.