August 15, 2024

The path to overcoming addiction is complex and often requires a multifaceted approach. Individualized treatment plans, Medication-Assisted Therapy, and talk therapy all play vital roles in this journey. Recently, experts have increasingly turned to buprenorphine as a powerful medication to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). In this post, we’ll explore how buprenorphine works and its role in addiction treatment.

Important Properties of Buprenorphine

The primary function of buprenorphine is to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it most effective for patients who are already opioid-free. Typically, patients must abstain from opioids for at least 12-24 hours before starting buprenorphine treatment.

How It Works

Buprenorphine is a partial agonist, meaning it binds to the same receptors as opioids but produces a weaker, more controlled effect. This “ceiling effect” significantly reduces cravings for opioids. Buprenorphine also has a lower potential for abuse, causes less withdrawal discomfort, and is safer in the event of an overdose.

How Is Buprenorphine Different from Suboxone?

Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, while Subutex contains only buprenorphine. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) can reverse opioid overdoses by displacing opioids from the receptors they bind to. In Suboxone, naloxone only activates to block opioids if they are misused.

Retention Rate

Buprenorphine has been shown to improve treatment retention rates. A study published in the Addiction journal found that 75% of patients on buprenorphine remained in treatment six months later, compared to a control group. If you’re seeking buprenorphine, Suboxone, or other medication options for recovery in the Philadelphia, King of Prussia, or Norristown areas, visit Dr. Watson and get in touch with us.

Effectiveness

Buprenorphine treatment has been linked to a 36% reduction in the risk of opioid overdose. Patients on buprenorphine are also more likely to stay in treatment, with one study showing that they were 1.82 times more likely to remain in treatment than those on a placebo. Additionally, buprenorphine remains effective even when taken as infrequently as three times per week.

Buprenorphine offers OUD patients an effective and safer option to support their recovery journey. If you’re looking for buprenorphine or Suboxone for opioid dependence, contact Dr. Watson at one of our facilities in Philadelphia, Norristown, or King of Prussia.

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