Opioid dependence has increased greater that 150% from 1965–2008. Almost 2 Million Americans are currnetly opioid depndent. Approxmately 4.4 million teenagers and adults have used opioid prescription painkillers for nonmedical purposes. Greater than 75% of opioid dependnet patients in the U.S. go untreated. Greater than 60% of opioid dependent patients don't seek reatment due to lack of accessibility of treatment centers or programs.

100 opioid dependent patients (illicit street and iatrognenic) volunteered and entered a “TELE-PSYCIATRY MODEL” for treatment of their depencence (age range 19,- 61. 58 males,42 females). Utilizing the Bupernorphen protocol, all patients were intrviewed, examined, induced, and regularly followed, ALL utilizing SECURE VIDEOCONFERENCNG interactive treatment methodologies. No in-person contact was made with any patients.

2 patients dropped out, 98 remain in treatment, and opioid free after a 7 month average. All patients found the Tele Psychiaty model to be acceptable, effective and prefeable.