Opioid Addiction Treatment - Page 3

What is buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is an opioid that reduces craving, tames withdrawal symptoms, and will blunt the high from an illegal drug you take. It has unfairly developed a bad reputation in some circles, writes substance abuse counsellor and policy advisor Frank Greenagel, who argues that people on buprenorphine need weekly drug screens and at least an hour of counseling a week.

To find a doctor who will prescribe you buprenorphine, you might check a service offered by the National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment, or ask your insurer for a list of certified doctors in your network. You’ll typically take buprenorphine only after you have not used any opioid for 12 to 24 hours and are in the early stages of withdrawal. The dose will be adjusted over time.

Some methadone clinics also supply buprenorphine. 

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