Opioid addiction is a major challenge that many people in Miami are facing. An addiction to opioids can negatively affect a person’s physical and emotional well-being and can even lead to death.
Among the emerging strategies for opioid addiction treatment in Miami, buprenorphine stands as a potential game-changer. In this blog, we take a closer look at buprenorphine for opioid addiction, including the benefits of buprenorphine as a safe and effective treatment for opioid addiction.
Buprenorphine for Opioid Addiction
Buprenorphine is a part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to assist individuals in quitting or reducing the use of substances like heroin or opioids, such as painkillers like morphine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved buprenorphine for clinical use in October 2002, marking a step forward in medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
When combined with behavioral therapies and counseling, medications like buprenorphine offer a comprehensive method for treating opioid addiction. Moreover, buprenorphine is both effective and safe, given that it is taken according to the prescribed dosage.
How Does Buprenorphine Work?
Buprenorphine functions by disrupting the communication of pain signals between the brain and the body, leading to decreased pain sensations.
When buprenorphine replaces other opioids, it reduces withdrawal symptoms and minimizes the damage associated with drug consumption. In this manner, buprenorphine simplifies the process of quitting harmful drug use.
Buprenorphine is available in various forms:
- Sublingual film or tablets: Placed underneath the tongue for swift absorption and prompt action.
- Transdermal patches: Placed on the skin for gradual, constant release and a continual impact.
- Injection: Administered via modified-release injections under the skin, either weekly or monthly.
Buprenorphine for Addiction Treatment Miami
Here are some benefits of using buprenorphine for addiction treatment in Miami.
1. Prevents Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person uses buprenorphine, they experience a sense of normalcy rather than a sensation of being high. Interestingly, the brain believes that it’s still receiving the problematic opioid, which prevents withdrawal symptoms from occurring. This is extremely important since withdrawal symptoms can be quite common when a person stops using opioids.
2. Reduced Cravings
Additionally, buprenorphine is effective in lessening cravings. If these cravings persist, your doctor will make necessary changes to your medication or assist you in discovering alternative methods to minimize them, ensuring your journey toward recovery is as smooth as possible.
3. Low Chances of Overdose
Overdosing on buprenorphine by itself is extremely unlikely. Buprenorphine presents a higher level of overdose resistance compared to other opioids due to its partial opiate receptor activation, which includes a built-in “ceiling” effect.
The “ceiling” effect sets a limit on how much the opioid receptors can respond to buprenorphine, reducing the risk of breathing slowdown, unlike potent opioids such as morphine, heroin, or oxycodone. Cases of buprenorphine overdose are typically linked to mixing it with sedatives such as benzodiazepines, which also have a breathing-slowing effect.
4. Long-Lasting Impact
Buprenorphine has a prolonged effect. Thus, after an initial period, your healthcare provider might recommend transitioning to taking the pill every other day instead of on a daily basis. This long-acting quality of buprenorphine allows for extended coverage, potentially offering you more flexibility in your treatment routine and reducing the frequency of medication intake. Moreover, the adjusted schedule could contribute to a smoother and more consistent experience managing your condition.
5. Can be Taken at Home
Certain doctors in the US have the authority to prescribe buprenorphine. This means you can conveniently take doses in the comfort of your own home. A home-based approach offers flexibility and empowers you to actively participate in your addiction treatment journey.
By having the option to manage your medication outside of a medical facility, you can potentially experience a greater sense of autonomy and privacy while continuing on the path to recovery. It’s important, however, to strictly adhere to your doctor’s guidance and dosage instructions to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
Common Side Effects of Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is associated with mild side effects that often diminish with continued medication use over time.
If you encounter side effects, it’s you should not discontinue the medication. Instead, communicate with your doctor or drug treatment center in Miami. Adjustments in dosage or a change in medication might help alleviate these effects. You can also adopt simple strategies to minimize side effects:
- Body aches, headaches, and cold- or flu-like symptoms: Consult your doctor about suitable over-the-counter remedies.
- Dizziness: Rise slowly when getting up. Persistent issues warrant a call to your doctor.
- Constipation: Increase fluid and fiber intake, and engage in regular exercise.
- Sweating: Shower frequently and dress in layers.
- Sleep problems and fatigue: Take the pill in the morning, adhere to a consistent sleep schedule, exercise, and avoid caffeine post-lunch.
- Upset stomach or vomiting: Take the pill after eating and consider using doctor-recommended antacid products.
- Mood swings: Incorporate exercise, engage in enjoyable activities unrelated to past drug habits, practice relaxation techniques, and converse with your substance abuse treatment provider.
If you or a loved one is seeking a reliable partner on this path, consider contacting Comprehensive Psychiatric Center, one of the top-rated drug treatment centers in Miami. With specialized expertise in buprenorphine addiction treatment, CPC is committed to guiding individuals toward a future free from the chains of opioid addiction. Contact us for more information about opiate addiction treatment in Miami.
