If you have been struggling with opiate addiction, chances are you have heard about the latest recovery method: buprenorphine. This might just be your answer to getting sober and staying that way. But what is it? And how do you go about getting access to it? Keep reading to learn more. Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid that is used as a pain reliever and an alternative treatment for opioid dependence. It can be prescribed by medical practitioners to patients who meet certain criteria, such as being opiate-dependent, not being able to take other drugs due to unique risks, or having a specific condition that necessitates it. Bupe is an extended-release version of the drug naloxone buccal Film (a type of oral film) that contains between 8 – 16mg of norbuprenorphine per tablet.
What Is Buprenorphine Treatment?
Buprenorphine is a drug used for the treatment of opioid dependence. It is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it affects the receptors in the brain that respond to opioid drugs like heroin and prescription painkillers. But unlike many other opioid agonists, buprenorphine also acts as an opioid antagonist at the same receptors, meaning it can also block the effects of opioids like nausea, agitation, and constipation. The main advantage of buprenorphine is that it causes a much less intense high than traditional opioids do. This makes it a safe choice for people who are trying to reduce their use of these drugs and stay off the habit. If you’re someone who is regularly experiencing cravings and withdrawals, you may find that buprenorphine helps you to curb these symptoms, enabling you to maintain your sobriety.
What to Expect in a Buprenorphine Treatment Program
Before you can enter into a treatment program, you’ll need to go through detox. During this process, you’ll be weaned off the opioid drugs your body is used to and be given a short course of buprenorphine to ease you through this transition. While in the program, you’ll usually attend 12-step meetings and participate in therapy sessions where you can discuss your addiction and come up with a personal recovery plan.
As part of the program, you may be asked to complete a series of assessments to figure out your personal strengths and weaknesses. These assessments can help you find out if you’re a good candidate for buprenorphine treatment. You may be asked to complete an exercise where you try to imagine situations where you would use drugs and how you would deal with them. You may be asked to rank the importance of different aspects of your life, such as your relationships with loved ones, work, or hobbies.
How Does Buprenorphine Work?
Buprenorphine is an opioid agonist and antagonist, meaning it affects opioid receptors in the brain just like the opioid drugs heroin and prescription painkillers do. These receptors are responsible for feelings of relaxation, well-being, and feelings of satisfaction. However, unlike opioid drugs, buprenorphine also acts as an opioid antagonist at the same receptors, meaning it can block the effects of opioids like nausea, agitation, and constipation. As a result, while being prescribed buprenorphine, you don’t have cravings, withdrawals, and other unpleasant side effects that come with opioid drugs.
Side effects of buprenorphine treatment
Since buprenorphine is also an opioid antagonist, you may experience side effects similar to those experienced by people who are on prescription opioids. The most common side effects include nausea, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and decreased libido. Some people may also experience other side effects, such as skin rashes, itching, or trouble sleeping. Some of these side effects may be alleviated by taking anti-nausea or anti-constipation medications. However, it’s generally recommended that you don’t take these medications unless prescribed by your doctor.
Is Buprenorphine FDA-Approved for Addiction?
Buprenorphine was originally developed by scientists to help combat opioid addiction. Unlike traditional opioid agonists, which can cause fatal overdoses, buprenorphine is a partial opioid antagonist and does not produce euphoria. This means that it’s a lot safer to use and doesn’t contribute to dangerous drug abuse. Buprenorphine was also first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for the treatment of opioid dependence. It was approved as an alternative treatment to opioids like heroin because it doesn’t have the same potential for misuse and addiction as other opioid drugs.
Who Should Take Buprenorphine Treatment?
Buprenorphine treatment is effective only when used as a part of a comprehensive recovery program that includes lifestyle changes, group support, and psychotherapy. If you suspect that you might have a buprenorphine prescription, you’ll want to bring it to the attention of your doctor. Buprenorphine is most effective for people with opioid dependence who have already detoxed from opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. It is also not suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as those related to the stomach or blood pressure. If you meet these criteria, however, you may still be a good candidate for treatment if you’ve tried traditional treatment methods without success. Buprenorphine treatment can be an effective option for those who’ve been unsuccessfully coping with their opiate addiction through counseling, detox centers, and 12-step programs.
Pros and Cons of Buprenorphine Treatment
Buprenorphine is a safe treatment option that doesn’t have the same potential for misuse as opioid drugs, such as heroin. It can help people who are ready to make a change and are ready to make lifestyle changes that will enable them to stay sober. However, it’s important to note that buprenorphine isn’t a cure-all. While it can help to curb cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms, it doesn’t remove the need to use. It is still important to remain engaged with treatment, support groups, and a comprehensive recovery plan. Buprenorphine also has a relatively short half-life, which means it will eventually be metabolized out of your system. This means that you’ll need to take another dose of the drug every 12 hours.
Final words: is buprenorphine for you?
If you’re ready to get sober and avoid the risk of death from opioid use, you may want to consider trying buprenorphine treatment. This drug does have a number of benefits, and it can be an effective option for people who have already tried traditional recovery methods and failed. If you meet the right criteria, it can help to reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, enabling you to stay clean. However, it’s important to note that buprenorphine isn’t a cure-all. The best way to stay sober is to work closely with a treatment program and make the most of the resources available to you.
If you’re ready to start the road to sobriety, call us today at 833-497-3808. This may be your most important call, as it can save your life.