kevinmd.com:Why must doctors complete extra training to prescribe buprenorphine?

Written by psychiatrist Maria Yang:

"The training offered the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act of 1914 as one reason behind the training requirement: This law suggests physicians can prescribe opiates as part of “normal” treatment, but not for treatment for addiction. Addiction was not considered a disease in 1914. Thus, if addiction is not a disease, no intervention is indicated."

"That explanation, however, doesn’t make sense. There is growing consensus that substance use disorders are diseases. Nothing, other than my good judgment, prevents me from cranking out prescriptions for stimulants and benzodiazepines. Use of either medication can lead to addiction. What makes opiates so special?"

http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2015/05/why-must-doctors-complete-extra-training-to-prescribe-buprenorphine.html