Buprenorphine treatment is an effective method for overcoming opioid addiction because it manages the body’s withdrawal from opioids yet suppresses the feeling of euphoria. Like methadone, buprenorphine is approved for use in combating addiction to heroin or prescription painkillers and help you transition out of active addiction. If you live in Vermont, and want to recover from opiate addiction, you can find hope and help with treatments available in Berlin, St. Johnsbury, and Newport.
Buprenorphine was approved for opiate addiction by the FDA in 2000, and methadone as a treatment has been around for 50+ years. One method of treatment is not necessarily better than the other. When you make a decision that you’re ready to live a drug-free life, talk with a counselor about what treatment option is best for you.
Buprenorphine is also known by the brand names Suboxone or Subutex. As with all treatments, the greatest chance of success is combining medication-assisted treatment, whether with methadone or buprenorphine, with counseling.
One thing that many patients appreciate is that buprenorphine treatment is easy to administer through either a daily visit to a treatment facility or through a doctor’s prescription that can be filled at most pharmacies. You typically take one pill per day.
What to expect with buprenorphine treatment
Your body will begin withdrawal before the first dose of buprenorphine, Suboxone or Subuted. Don’t worry. You’re not alone during the process. Buprenorphine treatment is effective because it is so strong at the brain’s receptor sites. But there must be ‘available’ receptors for the treatment to take effect. When you begin withdrawal, the doctor is best able to determine the right level of dose for you. Buprenorphine is effective because it is an opioid antagonist. This means that it counters the feelings of euphoria you have with the heroin or prescription pain killer. When you don’t get the high, it’s not as fun as it used to be. So this truly helps people who are serious about making life changes. Most patients report feeling better after only about one week. They sleep better, and find that life starts feeling normal again. It’s important to take your medication regularly, regardless of how you feel. Those with greatest success take optimal levels of buprenorphine treatment, and stay on it for at least several months.
Life decisions you make with buprenorphine treatment
Regardless of treatment method, you must still deal with the issues that have brought you this far into addiction. This won’t be easy, but it’s very important. You will have to face finding a new friend group. Hanging out with friends who are using is not going to get you where you want to go. In treatment, you will have support for how to find and keep healthy relationships in your life. You may have a family history to address. This is also done with support from a counselor who guides you into understanding family dynamics and how to change the patterns that have been unhealthy in the past. You’ll develop strategies and perspective. Stay focused on the goal to get energized for positive change.
As you become healthier, you’ll start to be able to make long-term plans for your life. You are getting better every day. You’re in recovery, and you can make now imagine making plans. It’s not just about finding drugs or finding a way to prevent withdrawal. You’re in a healthy place and can decide what you want to do next for work and for relationships. Counseling also helps you in this area by helping you discover where you add value to the world and pursue your dream.
If you’re reading this article, then you’re at least considering a drug-free life for yourself or someone you love. Know that you have a lot of help and support available and that success is possible. You have treatment options near where you live in Vermont.
