Frequently Asked Questions
Is buprenorphine treatment just trading one addiction for another?
No. Though Buprenorphine is an opioid, it does not make the user feel high. Most people who take it say it makes them feel normal. With successful buprenorphine treatment, the common symptoms of addiction—compulsive behavior, loss of control and constant cravings—go away. This is called remission, not switching addictions.
Why is counseling an important tool in the treatment process?
Addiction is a learned behavior that physically changes the brain. Medication alone can reduce cravings and withdrawal, but recovering from an addictive disorder requires re-training the brain.
Counseling and other behavioral modifications can help undo some of the changes to the brain that addiction causes. This helps prepare patients for a time when they may not need medication anymore.
It's important to find a counselor with a modern, evidence-based philosophy of addiction treatment, who is skilled in working with patients who also use medications in their treatment.
What life changes can I expect from therapy?
Counseling and therapy help make meaningful changes that will allow for a successful remission. These positive changes can include:
- Rebuilding relationships
- Repairing finances
- Getting a job
- Taking on family responsibilities
- Decreasing stress, anxiety and depression
Therapy can also help you eliminate the things in your life that cause stress or depression, which makes you less likely to return to substance use. This may include things that can be difficult but necessary, such as not spending as much time with friends who are in active addiction.
An experienced counselor or therapist will be able to teach you other techniques that help undo the behaviors you learned while you were addicted.
Can someone switch from methadone to buprenorphine?
Yes, but there are several things to consider.
- It is best to slowly reduce your therapeutic dose of methadone to 30 mg a day or less for at least a week, and then discontinue it completely for at least 36 hours, before starting buprenorphine.
- You must be in mild to moderate withdrawal before you take your first dose of buprenorphine.
- If you are doing well in methadone treatment it may not be advisable to change treatments. Talk to your doctor to determine which course is best.
What if I need pain medication for surgery or acute pain?
You can still be treated for pain with elective dental or surgical procedures. Your doctors should speak with each other about the plan. Choosing Change will provide a letter to your doctor with the recommended plan for continuing buprenorphine maintenance.
Does buprenorphine show up in an employer drug screening?
Standard drug screen panels do not commonly include Buprenorphine and will not cause a positive result on tests for other opiates.
How do I know if I'm taking the right dose of buprenorphine?
Choosing Change nurses will call you to follow up and monitor your progress. It's important to let your healthcare provider know about any withdrawal symptoms or cravings you experience, so we can work together to determine whether you may benefit from a change in your dose or from additional counseling services.
What happens if someone takes buprenorphine at the same time as another opioid?
It depends on which was taken first.
- If someone who is taking buprenorphine as prescribed and takes another opioid, the buprenorphine may help block the effect of the other opioid.
- If someone is actively using other opioids takes buprenorphine, it may cause sudden and severe withdrawal.
What if I've relapsed?
If you relapse and return to substance use, contact your healthcare provider or counselor right away. Relapse does not mean treatment failure. Opioid addiction is a chronic disease, so relapses may occur. The most important thing is to seek help.
When should I stop treatment?
The length of treatment can vary from patient to patient. The decision to end therapy should be made as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. If you and your treatment team agree that the time is right, your healthcare provider has the option either to lower your dose over time or to stop buprenorphine under medical supervision.
What happens if I take buprenorphine too early?
If someone takes buprenorphine before the other opioids have left their body, they may experience a fast onset of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. To avoid this "precipitated withdrawal," carefully follow the instructions that you discussed with the Choosing Change staff.
How long does buprenorphine stay in your system?
Suboxone is made up of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine takes more than 24 hours to leave the body once it is used consistently. Naloxone stays in the system for 30 to 60 minutes.
What is Narcan or naloxone?
Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a lifesaving medication used to treat emergency opioid overdoses. It is administered when a patient is showing signs of opioid overdose.
- Narcan reverses the toxic effects of opioids.
- It is not harmful to give to someone if you suspect they are overdosing, but it later turns out they were not.
- If you administer Narcan, call 911 immediately. Narcan only remains in a person's system for 30 to 60 minutes.
Narcan comes in two forms: injectable and nasal spray. You can get it at a pharmacy from a pharmacist, at needle exchanges, or as a prescription from your health care provider.