Buprenorphine Addiction and Rehabilitation

   Dec. 18, 2014
   23 minute read
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Last Edited: March 15, 2020
Author
Patricia Howard, LMFT, CADC
Clinically Reviewed
Jim Brown, CDCA
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and certified by an addiction professional.

Dangers of Buprenorphine Abuse

Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic Opioid that is used medically as a painkiller and as treatment for Opiate addiction and the associated withdrawals. Unlike Heroin or Oxycodone, which are full opiate agonists, Buprenorphine is only a partial opiate agonist. This means that if administered at the right time with the right dosage, the effects of Opiate withdrawal can be managed by Buprenorphine.

At moderate dosages, this drug can stop producing increased effects that happen after bigger doses and instead flat lines. This reduces the potential for abuse, side effects and any overdose risks related to Buprenorphine. For these same reasons, recreational users will often combine it with other substances like sleeping pills, Benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium, alcohol, and other Opiates. This is extremely dangerous and can often lead to fainting, coma and death from Respiratory Depression.

Prescription drugs can be life-threatening if they are not taken under proper conditions. Anyone who uses prescription drugs such as Buprenorphine, should constantly check with a doctor to keep dosage under control.

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Street Names for Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine can be purchased on the streets illegally. It may go by other names such as: Bupe, Subbies, Subs, Oranges.

Buprenorphine Effects

Buprenorphine works by targeting the Opioid receptors, controlling how the body reacts to Opiates. Buprenorphine mimics Heroin and other painkillers effects without the risk of the side effects. Doctors believe that Buprenorphine will help slowly tapper themselves off the opiates completely since withdrawal is not a factor. Health care providers like using Buprenorphine, as it can help prevent patients from changing the mode administration, the sharing of needles and risking the spread of HIV and Hepatitis. However, even with all its good aspects, Buprenorphine is still habit-forming, and one can become dependent of Buprenorphine, even under the most controlled circumstance. Therefore, Buprenorphine needs to be used sparingly in a controlled environment.

Warning signs of Buprenorphine abuse in a loved one

Buprenorphine can be just as addictive as any other Opioid. Because it is used to help with an Opioid addiction it can be difficult to tell if an addiction is brought upon because of the drug or an Opioid, and is not recommended to use for long periods of time. Signs of addiction are not always easy to pin point, and can lead to death if not careful. If you believe a loved one is abusing Buprenorphine, there are a few signs to look out for:

Buprenorphine can cause intense physical dependency like any other substance. A common sign of Buprenorphine abuse in a loved one would be stating that his or her use is under control. Your loved one may say that he or she may stop using, but never will.

People who abuse drugs and alcohol have a tough time relaxing if unable to consume their favorite substance. There might be a problem if the only time your loved one is relaxed is when he or she is using Buprenorphine, revealing a dependency to the drug.

It is hard for people suffering from an addiction to stay on top of obligations and responsibilities. If your loved one is ditching plans to use Buprenorphine recreationally there may be a problem that he or she could be trying to hide from everyone.

Factual Dangers: Buprenorphine

These videos are meant to inform viewers on the dangers and effects of Buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is such a unique drug that not many people know about the risks and dangers. There is no shame in being confused or feeling misinformed about your current situation; it’s a complicated topic that unfortunately happens to many people, but we are here to help. Call us to speak with an addiction specialists who can go over your options.

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