Buprenorphine for Narcotics Addiction Treatment

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Of all the types of drugs a person can get addicted to, the withdrawal effects from narcotic addiction pose the greatest challenge to a person’s recovery process. For many years, methadone was the only drug available to help treat narcotics addiction. However, in 2002, buprenorphine, also marketed as Subutex and Suboxone, was approved to treat opioid use disorder ( OUD). 

Narcotics Effects on the Body

Narcotics addiction treatment is specifically designed to address the ongoing withdrawal symptoms users experience long after they stop using.  While a person is using narcotics, the drugs bind to receptor sites on nerve cells throughout the brain and body. With repeated, long-term use, these substances can also accumulate in body tissues such as fat and muscle. Over time, the body becomes physically dependent on their presence. When drug use stops, the body must readjust to functioning without them, which can trigger uncomfortable and sometimes severe withdrawal symptoms.

 Narcotics also damage brain and body processes, such as sleep, digestion and the immune system, to the point where considerable time is needed for the body to return to normal function. As a treatment for narcotics addiction, Buprenorphine addresses many of the physical problems narcotics addiction causes.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is the most common method of treatment for narcotic addiction.

As a medication for narcotics addiction treatment, Buprenorphine helps relieve withdrawal symptoms by mimicking the effects narcotics have on the body.  Compared to methadone treatment, buprenorphine carries a lower abuse potential, meaning a person’s body is less likely to become dependent on the drug.

Subutex and Suboxone are two different types of buprenorphine. Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone, while Subutex contains only buprenorphine. Buprenophine works by attaching tightly to the mu-opioid receptors, activating them enough to reduce withdrawal and cravings without causing significant euphoria. Because it binds so well to these receptor sites, it effectively prevents other opioids from attaching should a person relapse.

Another benefit of buprenophine is its “ceiling effect.”  A ceiling effect means that taking more of the medication does not increase the opioid effect, making it a much safer option than methadone. 

The naloxone ingredient found in Suboxone acts as a misuse deterrent. Because it is an opioid antagonist, when taken as directed, typically sublingually, it remains inactive. However, should the user take it by injection or by snorting, it causes immediate withdrawal symptoms.  

Another benefit of buprenorphine as a treatment for narcotics addiction is its availability. Instead of having to visit a methadone clinic every day to receive their medication, a person can receive a prescription of buprenophine from their medical provider that can be filled at a local pharmacy.  

Treatment Methods

 Both buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone can be started in early withdrawal.  Buprenorphine alone is used more often during the initial induction phase. This is especially true for individuals who are pregnant or who have certain medical conditions. Buprenorphine/naloxone is commonly used for long-term maintenance treatment. By stabilizing brain chemistry, these medications allow people to function normally and focus on recovery while lowering their risk of relapse and overdose. 

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