Despite the easing of restrictions on prescribing buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction, the number of patients taking the medication has barely increased. Researchers attribute this to barriers such as insurance hurdles, cost, lack of availability in pharmacies, and stigma around opioid addiction. While the number of prescribers has risen significantly, the researchers urge the government to encourage and compel healthcare providers to offer more treatment options to address the ongoing overdose crisis.