Despite the easing of restrictions on prescribing buprenorphine, a treatment drug for opioid addiction, a recent study reveals that there has been minimal growth in the number of people using the medication. Researchers found that while the number of prescribers increased significantly after the elimination of a special waiver requirement, the number of patients filling prescriptions saw only a slight rise of around 2%. Experts attribute this discrepancy to persistent barriers such as insurance hurdles, cost, limited drug availability, and stigma surrounding addiction. The opioid crisis continues to be a pressing concern, and experts emphasize the need for more aggressive efforts to expand access to buprenorphine treatment.