Wherever you are in Rhode Island, whether Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, or Warwick, help for opioid abuse and addiction is available. Opioid addiction treatment often begins with understanding the different types of treatments available. Of them all, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has been particularly successful in helping people break free from active opioid use and substance misuse problems.
We are fortunate to have access to buprenorphine treatment here in Rhode Island. This medication helps reduce the effects of opioid withdrawal and cravings and makes it easier for individuals to stay away from the drug, even during stressful times. Its effectiveness is enhanced with psychosocial therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or contingency management (CM).
However, we need to learn more about buprenorphine treatment and how it can help people with opioid addiction. Understanding the details of this medication, its potential risks and benefits, and how it should be used are vital to making informed treatment decisions.
Finding the Right RI Buprenorphine Doctor
What Is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid, treats pain, and opioid use disorder. It first appeared in the late 1960s. It is a synthetic counterpart of thebaine, an alkaloid molecule in poppy flowers. It is classified as a Schedule III substance, which implies it has the potential for moderate or low physical dependency and significant psychological dependence.
It is used in the treatment of heroin, prescription painkiller, and fentanyl addiction. Pharmacotherapy is replacing prescription medicine to treat a substance of dependency in this manner. Pharmacotherapy not only improves well-being by delaying physical withdrawal but also helps stabilize the lives of individuals addicted to heroin and other opioids and reduces the harm associated with drug use.
How Buprenorphine Works?
Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist that works in the brain to prevent the onset of withdrawal symptoms caused by opioid addiction. It produces effects similar to other opioids but does not cause the same euphoria or pleasure as heroin and is much less likely to be abused. As a result, individuals may find it easier to resist cravings for more potent opioids like heroin.
Buprenorphine also helps reduce the risk of overdose associated with heroin, as it does not produce the same level of respiratory depression and sedation that other opioids can cause. Furthermore, buprenorphine has a relatively mild withdrawal syndrome compared to other opioids.
Finally, buprenorphine is effective in helping people remain abstinent from active opioid use and reducing their risk of relapse. By stabilizing the brain’s reward system and decreasing the craving for opioids, individuals can focus on the underlying causes of their addiction and be more successful in treatment.
Side Effects and Risks of Buprenorphine
Just like most medications, buprenorphine has some side effects. However, if you experience any of the following, contact your doctor immediately:
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Mouth numbness or redness
- Tongue pain
- Blurred vision
- Back pain
Buprenorphine can also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, such as breathing problems, irregular menstruation, decreased libido, insomnia, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and more. Therefore, it would be best to discuss any medications you are taking with your buprenorphine doctor before starting treatment. If taken as a film, patients are at higher risk for dental problems such as cavities or dry mouth, so they must practice extra careful dental hygiene.
Benefits of Taking Buprenorphine
- Buprenorphine can prevent the “high” of heroin and opioid painkillers, reducing the urge or desire to use them and finally leading to a wish to avoid them entirely.
- Buprenorphine has limited abuse potential and is unlikely to result in an overdose.
- It helps alleviate discomfort, chills, nausea, and other addiction withdrawal symptoms.
- It is proven to be a safe and effective treatment for opioid addiction.
- If taken with the opioid antagonist naloxone, such as Suboxone, it reduces the chance of misuse. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids.
Patients experiencing OUD treatment with buprenorphine have a better chance of long-term, sustained abstinence. They turn out to be more responsible, have a better concentration ability, and are less likely to use other drugs. Overall, buprenorphine helps patients to be more stable and cope better with the psychological aspects of their addiction.
Signs of an Overdose
As mentioned, Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, reduces the risk of overdose. However, it does not completely eliminate it. Some people can still overdose on buprenorphine. Therefore, if you or someone you know experience any of the following symptoms, seek help immediately:
- Slow heart rate
- Shallow or slow breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Pinpoint pupils
- Cold/clammy skin
- Drowsiness
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Coma
Where to Get Help for Substance Abuse Issues Related to Buprenorphine Use
While buprenorphine is a medication that can help ease the symptoms of opioid addiction, it should not be used as a sole replacement for behavioral therapy and other evidence-based treatment approaches. If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid abuse, help is available.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines buprenorphine, counseling, and other support services to help people begin a life in recovery.
If you are looking for a buprenorphine doctor, many treatment centers in the United States offer specialized buprenorphine treatment. In Rhode Island, RI Suboxone Clinic is a reputable clinic that provides comprehensive treatment for opioid addiction. Our experienced team of professionals understands the complexities of substance abuse issues and offers various services tailored to meet each individual’s needs. These include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine, behavioral therapy, group support, and more.
If you, or someone you know, are struggling with opioid addiction, don’t hesitate to contact RI Suboxone Clinic for help. With our holistic approach and evidence-based methodology, you can get the treatment you need in a safe and supportive environment. Start living a life of sobriety today, and know that you are not alone.
