Buprenorphine is sold in the U.S. under the brand names Suboxone and Subutex, narcotic drugs that are used to treat opiate addiction. Though it was developed as a safer alternative to addiction than methadone, both drugs have their own potential for misuse, abuse and dependence. Though safeguards were built into Suboxone during development stages, aiming to prevent misuse, the pills can be crushed and snorted to achieve a high or sold on the black market. One major difference between methadone and buprenorphine is that methadone can only be administered in a licensed clinic. Suboxone is available as a take-home dose. Despite its reported low-abuse potential, buprenorphine, which was approved in 2002 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has contributed to increases of reported abuse.

Examples of Buprenorphine Abuse

Using buprenorphine in any way that goes against the product’s label can be considered abuse. Drug labels provide important information regarding warnings and precautions that should be followed exactly. Some people may use buprenorphine in conjunction with other substances to increase the effects. This can be dangerous. These substances include benzodiazepines such as Klonopin, sleeping pills such as Ambien, alcohol, tranquilizers, other opiate medications and some antidepressants. Combining these drugs could cause extreme sedation and drowsiness, unconsciousness and death. This is especially true if patients use injection as their method of administration. The misuse of buprenorphine medications, especially when combined with benzodiazepines and other central nervous system depressants, can lead to respiratory depression and death.

Renowned Buprenorphine Detox is Safe, Humane and Confidential

Abuse of buprenorphine can progress to addiction which requires professional medical detox. Opiate dependence is a national problem and a condition that is chronic and relapsing in nature. The Waismann Method of Accelerated Neuro-Regulation offers highly acclaimed treatment that is safe, humane and completely confidential. Performed in an accredited hospital, the Waismann procedure uses medications to cleanse buprenorphine from patients’ opiate receptors. During this, the patient sleeps lightly under anesthesia and awakes without the awareness of the accelerated withdrawal that occurred. The procedure takes an hour and a half or less and patients remain in the hospital for two to four days for around-the-clock monitoring. The Waismann Method can get you back on your feet much quicker than most traditional detox and rehab centers. Our transitional living facility, Domus Retreat, invites guests to continue working on recovery through counseling, massage therapy, biofeedback therapy and other services.