Opioid Craving

The investigators propose a rigorous, Phase II, three-group, placebo-controlled double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of buspirone for both withdrawal and craving among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) undergoing a standardized stepwise taper. During this 10 to 12-day residential study, participants with OUD will be enrolled, stabilized on a short-acting opioid, undergo an opioid stepwise taper, and complete a post-taper observation period where participants will have the opportunity to initiate long-term buprenorphine or extended-release naltrexone.

The purpose of this study is to collect information about opioid craving so that the investigators can develop an opioid craving assessment to improve treatments for individuals with opioid use disorder. To collect this information, the investigators are recruiting individuals in treatment for opioid use disorder who will complete cue-induced opioid craving tasks where these individuals will: (1) look at pictures of neutral objects and touch neutral objects (e.g., water bottles or flashlights), (2) look at opioid-related images, and (3) look and touch opioid-related objects. Participants will then complete a one-on-one interview about the thoughts, feelings and physical sensations the participants experienced during the cue-induced craving session. Participants will also complete questionnaires and existing opioid craving assessments. Finally, participants will provide formal feedback about existing opioid craving assessments with cognitive interviews.

Evaluate individual differences in the expression of opioid withdrawal symptoms in persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) while completing a clinically-indicated medication taper.