Buprenorphine Addiction

Suboxone ® (Buprenorphine) is a semi-synthetic narcotic; Suboxone is a sublingual formulation that is a combination of Buprenorphine and Narcan. Suboxone ® cannot be injected, because the Narcan component causes instant opiate withdrawal. In this form (taken sublingually) the Buprenorphine is absorbed through the mucus membrane, while the Narcan is not.

Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opiate first marketed in the 1980s as a pain reliever. Suboxone and Subutex are two of the brand names for buprenorphine and are used to treat opioid addiction. Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, an opiate antagonist meant to deter abuse of the tablets. Suboxone and Subutex are used to treat addiction to opiates including heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl and oxymorphone. This is typically called replacement or maintenance therapy. Buprenorphine works by attaching to the receptors in the brain and nervous system. Medications containing buprenorphine can also lead to physical dependence, psychological dependence and addiction.

Buprenorphine Withdrawal

Using an opiate to treat an opiate addiction may work for some, but is not effective for everyone. Detoxing from narcotics can cause extreme anxiety and withdrawal symptoms if not approached properly. A physical dependency to buprenorphine medications is marked by withdrawal symptoms which set in once use is stopped abruptly. Withdrawal symptoms could include anxiety, diarrhea, fever, sneezing, runny nose, goose bumps, abnormal skin sensations, vomiting, nausea, pain, rigid muscles, rapid heartbeat, shivering, tremors, sweating and insomnia. Some have reported seeing, hearing and feeling things that were not there.

Other Signs of Addiction

Addiction is a progressive condition that can lead to serious health problems, even death. The most obvious sign of a physical addiction is withdrawal upon cessation of use. If you or someone you know is preoccupied with obtaining or consuming medications containing buprenorphine, you may have a problem. Other signs include impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, strong cravings that can’t be soothed without taking the drug and continued use despite negative outcomes. Subutex and Suboxone have a high potential to be drugs of abuse. Obtaining it without a legal prescription can result in criminal charges. Misusing or abusing drugs containing buprenorphine can be extremely dangerous and lead to overdose or death. Typical drug-seeking behaviors that may indicate addiction is present include breaking the law to obtain the drug. This can mean “doctor shopping” to try and secure more than one prescription, falsification of prescriptions and buying it on the black market.

Replacement Therapy: Swapping One Addiction for Another?

Buprenorphine offers some advantages over methadone, a common replacement therapy for opiate addiction. Buprenorphine is longer-lasting so patients may not have to take it as often as methadone. And buprenorphine offers patients the convenience of a take-home supply, whereas those on methadone must report daily to a clinic. Opiate replacement or maintenance therapy may be helpful for many in the withdrawal phase of treatment to help patients ease off of opiates. The problem is its potential for abuse and dependence, which may require a second detox. Swapping one addiction for another is not the answer. There is safe, medically-supervised treatment for opiate addiction, including those drugs used in replacement therapy. Opiate-free treatment programs are ideal for those who wish to become completely independent from narcotic medications.

Get Help with Buprenorphine Addiction Now

Call us today to discuss how the Waismann Method can free you from your Buprenorphine dependency and get your life back.

• Call (310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673) during business hours. for more information about rapid detox treatment for prescription drug addiction
• After-hours and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.
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