Colorado’s Fentanyl Crisis: What Every Resident Needs to Know
2025
A deadly wave continues to rise — and it’s hitting closer to home than ever before.Colorado is facing a public health emergency that continues to
Opioid addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to a number of health problems, including overdose, addiction, and death. Buprenorphine is a safe medication that helps people in high risk, prevent withdrawal, while controlling their addiction.
Buprenorphine hydrochloride, also known as a semi-synthetic narcotic opioid, is derived from the alkaloid thebaine found in the poppy plant Papaver somniferum. As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine exhibits a unique dosing characteristic. The drug dose increases linearly until it reaches a plateau, known as the ‘ceiling effect.’ This ceiling effect ensures that the drug’s effects level off even with increased doses. It is important to note that buprenorphine hydrochloride carries a significant risk of abuse and addiction, although it has been reported to have safer side effects compared to full opioid agonists. In essence, buprenorphine hydrochloride refers to the specific form of dosing the drug, where it is administered in the form of a hydrochloride salt. This alternate dosing method allows for effective utilization of buprenorphine’s unique properties in managing pain and addiction treatment.
Most noteworthy, those who abuse this drug, typically crush and snort it or inject it. When used in this manner, it can produce similar euphoric effects to heroin or other opioids. Due to its agonist effects, it provides a similar ‘euphoria or high’ to different opioid drugs, but with far more mild results in comparison to heroin and prescription opioids. As a result, these short-term effects could be:
While buprenorphine is prescribed as a medication to treat opioid dependence, prolonged use can lead to dependence and addiction. Some common signs of opioid abuse, dependency, or addiction include drowsiness, slurred speech, short attention span, impaired judgment, dilated pupils, lack of coordination during activity, lessened reactions to outside stimuli, and slow breathing.
Taking buprenorphine without a valid prescription or exceeding the recommended dose can result in an overdose. Therefore, if you experience shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, or unusual dizziness, it is essential to seek immediate help.
In addition to the short-term effects, long-term signs of opioid abuse, dependency, or addiction can manifest, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, impaired memory, liver damage, kidney damage, abdominal pain, muscle pains, respiratory depression, or even death. Withdrawal symptoms may also occur when attempting to stop using buprenorphine, as prolonged use can lead to dependence on the substance.
It is crucial to prioritize one’s well-being and seek medical assistance if there are concerns about buprenorphine addiction or misuse.
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Buprenorphine mechanism of action is quite unique and interesting. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Long-Acting: Buprenorphine is long-acting, meaning it stays in the body for an extended period. This property is beneficial for treating opioid addiction as it allows for dosing once a day or even less frequently, which is more convenient and can help with compliance to the treatment regimen.
Sublingual and Transdermal Forms: It’s typically administered sublingually (under the tongue) or via transdermal patches. The sublingual form ensures that the medication is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system where it could be broken down and become less effective.
Combination with Naloxone: Often, buprenorphine is combined with naloxone to form a medication known as Suboxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. It is included in the formulation to deter misuse; if Suboxone is injected, the naloxone will block the effects of buprenorphine and precipitate withdrawal symptoms, but when taken as directed sublingually, naloxone has negligible effects.
In summary, the distinct pharmacological characteristics of buprenorphine render it a safer choice for individuals grappling with opioid addiction, particularly amid the escalating fentanyl crisis. Its unique action as a partial opioid agonist, combined with a high affinity for mu-opioid receptors and a ceiling effect on its use, significantly lowers the risk of abuse and dangerous side effects, offering a more secure treatment alternative in these challenging times.
Buprenorphine can stay in your system for varying lengths of time, depending on several factors such as dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and overall health. Typically, buprenorphine has a half-life of approximately 24 to 42 hours. This means it can take about 5 to 8 days for buprenorphine to be eliminated from your system completely.
However, buprenorphine can be detected in different parts of the body for varying durations:
Individual factors and testing methods can influence these time frames, so it’s essential to consider these variations when estimating how long buprenorphine stays in the system.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. 1 It’s found in several medications, including:
Important Note: All medications containing buprenorphine are controlled substances and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
Clinical research has consistently demonstrated the benefits of buprenorphine maintenance therapy in treating opioid addiction. It has been shown to:
While buprenorphine is a valuable tool for treating opioid addiction, it’s essential to recognize its potential for dependence. Like other opioids, it can lead to physical dependence, where the body adapts to its presence and experiences withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. However, the risk of developing a severe addiction to this medication is significantly lower compared to other opioids.
All maintenance therapy should be initiated and supervised by a qualified healthcare provider specializing in addiction treatment. This provider can assess individual needs, determine the appropriate dosage, and monitor progress throughout the treatment course.
At our facility, we offer the Waismann Method Rapid Detox under sedation for individuals preparing to discontinue buprenorphine. This specialized approach is particularly beneficial for those who find it challenging to safely undergo detoxification or manage withdrawal symptoms at home, ensuring a smoother and more successful detox experience.
Learn more about Buprenorphine detox and precautions.
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Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It's an opioid partial agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser degree than full agonists like heroin or oxycodone. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same "high."
Buprenorphine attaches to the same opioid receptors in the brain as other opioids. However, it produces a "ceiling effect," meaning that taking higher doses doesn't necessarily lead to a more intense high. This reduces the risk of overdose and makes it an effective treatment option.
Buprenorphine comes in various forms, including sublingual films (Suboxone), tablets (Subutex), buccal film (Belbuca), and implants (Probuphine). Each form has different benefits and considerations.
Buprenorphine is generally safe when used as prescribed under medical supervision. However, it can have side effects and potential risks, including:
While buprenorphine is an opioid, its potential for addiction is lower than that of full agonists. However, dependence can develop, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if the medication is stopped abruptly.
Buprenorphine reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to manage opioid addiction. It allows individuals to focus on therapy and other aspects of recovery without the intense discomfort of withdrawal.
The duration of buprenorphine treatment varies depending on individual needs and progress. Some people may benefit from short-term treatment, while others may require longer-term maintenance therapy.
Buprenorphine is often considered the preferred medication for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. It can help prevent withdrawal symptoms in the newborn and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
Buprenorphine treatment is available through specialized addiction treatment centers, doctors' offices, and opioid treatment programs. You can find a provider by contacting your local health department or searching online for qualified practitioners in your area.
The cost of buprenorphine treatment varies depending on the provider, location, and type of treatment. Many insurance plans cover buprenorphine, and there may be financial assistance programs available. Contact your insurance provider or treatment center for more information.
It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you're taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and 1 supplements. Some medications can interact with 2 buprenorphine, potentially leading to adverse effects.
Alcohol can increase the risk of respiratory depression and other side effects when combined with buprenorphine. It's generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
While buprenorphine has a lower overdose risk than full agonists, overdose is still possible, especially when combined with other sedatives. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an overdose.
The safest and most effective way to detox from buprenorphine is under medical supervision. A gradual taper under a doctor's care can minimize withdrawal symptoms but still be a challenging process.
Waismann Method is a specialized rapid detox protocol for people addicted to buprenorphine. It involves anesthesia-assisted opioid detoxification, allowing patients to comfortably transition off buprenorphine under medical supervision. With a near 100% success rate for buprenorphine detoxification, the Waismann Method is a proven approach. This specialized treatment is currently only available in Southern California.
Yes, rapid detox can be effective for buprenorphine, but it requires specialized expertise. The Waismann Method, with its tailored protocols and experience in buprenorphine detox, has a high success rate in helping patients safely and comfortably transition off this medication.
Embarking on recovery with the Waismann Method means choosing a life of renewed health and well-being. Our rapid detox is more than a treatment; it’s a transformative experience that empowers you to reclaim control over your life.
Contact us today at 1-800-423-2482 to discover how the Waismann Method can be the cornerstone of your journey toward a life free of opioid dependence. Our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
Resources about buprenorphine for opioid addiction treatment:
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DISCLAIMER: The text presented on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is for your information only and may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Be advised that Opiates.com articles are derived from various sources and may not reflect your own country’s regulations.