What is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid partial agonist. It first marketed in the 1980s as a pain reliever. Suboxone and Subutex are two of the brand names for buprenorphine medications for opioid addiction. Indeed, Buprenorphine addiction is increasingly becoming an issue for many. Furthermore, physicians most commonly prescribe Suboxone which contains buprenorphine and naloxone, an opiate antagonist meant to deter abuse of the tablets.
Medical professionals prescribe Suboxone and Subutex to treat addiction to opiates including heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and oxymorphone. In general, this drug is called replacement or maintenance therapy. Buprenorphine works by attaching to the receptors in the brain and nervous system. However, medications containing buprenorphine can also lead to physical dependence, psychological dependence, and addiction. For example, FDA approved Buprenorphine products:
- Bunavail (buprenorphine & naloxone) buccal film
- Suboxone Film (buprenorphine & naloxone)
- Zubsolv (buprenorphine & naloxone) sublingual tablets
How Severe is a Buprenorphine Withdrawal?
Using an opiate to treat an opiate addiction may work for some, but is not effective for everyone. in addition, detoxing from narcotics can cause extreme anxiety and withdrawal symptoms if not approached correctly. In particular, withdrawal symptoms will occur if the drug is stopped abruptly. Generally, 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 even reported seeing, hearing and feeling things that were not there.
Unfortunately, despite all the efforts to sell buprenorphine as a miracle addiction treatment and even under the most controlled circumstances, this drug can be habit-forming.
Signs of Buprenorphine Addiction
Buprenorphine is a drug typically used to help opioid-dependent patients avoid the painful withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting their opiate of choice. However, Buprenorphine addiction is also a very genuine issue that has become more and more evident. For instance, Buprenorphine based medication can prolong the opioid dependence for those already struggling with addiction and create a brand new drug problem. Just like any other opioid addiction, buprenorphine requires professional help to overcome.
Buprenorphine addiction can be a progressive condition which can lead to serious health problems. The most visible sign of dependence is withdrawal upon the cessation of use. Furthermore, signs of addiction include compulsive control over drug use and intense cravings which leads to continued use, despite adverse outcomes. In addition, 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. In fact, this behavior can mean “doctor shopping” to try and secure more than one prescription, falsification of prescriptions and buying it on the black market.
Maintenance Therapy: Trading One Addiction for Another?
Suboxone Addiction and Abuse Treatments
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. The medication offers patients the convenience of a take-home supply, whereas those on methadone must report daily to a clinic. Opiate replacement or medical-assisted treatment (MAT) be helpful for many who wishes to delay the withdrawal symptoms, while still taking opioids.
What is the Best Option for Suboxone Addiction Treatment?
Suboxone has been called a “life-saver” medication with the potential to reduce addictive behaviors. This drug does, however, have a very real potential for addiction and physical dependence. 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 entirely independent from narcotic medications.
A medical treatment, such as Rapid detox combined with psychotherapy, can make a world of difference when buprenorphine addiction is a concern. Contact us today and speak with an expert about your treatment options. The sooner you get help, the faster you can begin an opioid-free life.
Learn more about Buprenorphine Treatments