The purpose of this study is to compare the Standard Medical Management (SMM) vs. SMM enhanced with additional education about addiction and recovery (Enhanced Medical Management, EMM)

A randomized trial, in a hospital primary care clinic, for 24 weeks, of 168 opioid-dependent subjects, maintained on buprenorphine 3x/week, and counseled with Standard or Enhanced Medical Management. SMM is a brief intervention similar to that provided by primary practitioners to patients with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes. EMM is an intervention that provides education about the recovery process and advice about lifestyle changes and 12-step participation. Outcome measures include reduction in opioid use and abstinence from opioids, documented by 3x/week urine testing and self report.

Inclusion criteria: Subjects meeting FDA criteria for opioid agonist maintenance treatment and DSM-IV criteria for opioid dependence will be eligible for the study. Women of childbearing age will be included provided they agree to adequate contraception and to monthly pregnancy monitoring throughout the study.

Exclusion criteria include: pregnancy, current dependence on alcohol, benzodiazepines or sedatives; current suicide or homicide risk; current psychotic disorder or major depression; inability to read or understand English; life-threatening or unstable medical problems.