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Buprenorphine Addiction Treatment Program

a person talks to a therapist in a buprenorphine addiction treatment programBuprenorphine is a prescription medication used to treat opioid and opiate addictions. This medication is used in opiate replacement therapy (ORT). With opioid addiction and overdose rates on the rise, buprenorphine is becoming a popular and common medication used for addiction treatment. However, some people who rely on this medication to overcome other opiates end up hooked on it as a result. A buprenorphine addiction treatment program can break the cycle of addiction and offer hope for the future.

Northpoint Washington offers comprehensive buprenorphine addiction treatment programs for people ready to make a full recovery. Our programs are tailored to the individual needs of our patients and focus on addressing the underlying issues that contribute to addiction. Learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs and get started today by calling 888.450.2153.

The Various Brands of Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is sold under a number of brand names. Depending on the brand, the drug is used to treat opioid addiction or to treat chronic pain. This medication is a bit diverse in its properties. It is commonly sold under the following brand names:

  • Subutex
  • Belbuca
  • Buprenex
  • Butrans
  • Bunavail
  • Zubsolv

Each brand offers a different dosage, use, and form. Some of these brands offer tablets while others are injections. The brand of buprenorphine prescribed will depend on each patient’s needs.

What Does Buprenorphine Do?

Buprenorphine works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). It does several things to the body and brain to manage cravings, including:

  • Decreasing a person’s cravings for the opioid they are trying to quit
  • Reducing anxiety and depression caused by withdrawal symptoms
  • Blocking other opioids from binding to the CNS receptors, thus preventing a high

This medication helps people transition away from more powerful drugs such as heroin or oxycodone by curbing their physical cravings. At the same time, buprenorphine helps address the mental aspects of addiction by providing emotional stability and reducing depression or anxiety.

What Is Buprenorphine Abuse?

Buprenorphine abuse occurs any time this drug is taken in a way that it is not prescribed. With that said, it’s possible for many people to become addicted to this drug even when they are taking it as prescribed.

This is not a drug that most people purchase off the streets. Most commonly, people begin using it because they have a prescription from a doctor and aren’t expected to stay on it for very long. After completing the buprenorphine treatments during the induction period, people are usually placed on a different ORT medication.

A common thing that happens is that people find that ORT medications don’t work as well for them after some time. Due to this reason, they may increase how much they’re taking on their own. This increases tolerance to the drug—a sign of addiction.

Is There a Difference Between Dependence and Addiction?

There is a slight difference between dependence and addiction, but they are also similar. When someone is dependent upon buprenorphine, they may notice that they feel uncomfortable without buprenorphine. They might need to take larger and larger doses of this medication for it to work as well as it once did. This is because they’re forming a tolerance to their dosage. This is the point where people usually increase how much they’re using.

When someone is addicted to the drug, they are unable to quit using it. They may neglect familial, school, and work obligations in favor of using the drug. They’ll also experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit. Addiction is both physical and psychological, whereas dependence is more physical. When someone is addicted, they is also dependent. However, the opposite isn’t necessarily true.

Both of these situations are serious and need to be dealt with immediately. If you’re only dependent on buprenorphine, you need to make your doctor aware of the problem. It may be time for you to stop taking the medication. Otherwise, you could eventually become addicted.

Do You Need a Buprenorphine Addiction Treatment Program?

It’s possible that you have been abusing this drug for quite some time. However, you don’t know if you’re addicted or not. You may want to try and look for some of the more common signs of addiction in your own life. These can include:

  • Finding yourself obsessing over your medication
  • Carefully making sure you always have enough of it on hand
  • Having problems or a breakdown in your personal relationships
  • Running into problems at work or at school
  • Experiencing medical issues that can be traced back to your abuse of this medication
  • Finding that you’re taking more of it than you should
  • Taking it for a longer time than you should
  • Purchasing it on the street or online illegally
  • Visiting multiple doctors in order to get new prescriptions (doctor shopping)
  • Combining it with other substances because you like the way it makes you feel

Addiction isn’t something that you can ignore; buprenorphine addiction treatment can help you make a full recovery.

Buprenorphine Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Washington

Our buprenorphine addiction treatment program includes a range of services, including:

  • Medical detox – Our medical professionals will help you through the withdrawal process in a safe and comfortable environment.
  • Counseling and support groups – Our counselors are trained in addiction counseling, and they will work with you to identify any underlying issues that may have contributed to your addiction.
  • Relapse prevention – We offer comprehensive relapse prevention services to help you stay on track and develop coping strategies for any future cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
  • Aftercare – After completing our program, we can provide referral resources to help you maintain long-term sobriety.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, contact Northpoint Washington. Our compassionate and experienced team is here to provide you with the help and support you need to make a full recovery from buprenorphine abuse. Call us today at 888.450.2153 to learn more about our treatment programs.