A recent study found that long‑acting injectable formulations of buprenorphine reduce the need for inpatient services among patients with opioid use disorder, shifting care from hospitals to outpatient settings. Authors reported fewer hospital admissions and shorter stays when long‑acting depot formulations were used compared with standard care. The findings impact hospital capacity planning and addiction‑treatment logistics as systems seek durable outpatient options. For readers: long‑acting injectable buprenorphine provides sustained opioid‑agonist blockade over weeks to months, improving adherence and reducing diversion risks.