Are You Suffering from Buprenorphine Dependence?
You may hear the term dependence and wonder how that differs from addiction. Dependence is more like having a physical need for the medication, but it hasn't yet developed into an addiction.
For example, someone who is dependent on this medication may have formed a tolerance to the drug. That person might go through withdrawal symptoms if they miss a dose of it. However, the difference is that there are no real negative consequences to using it.
If left unchecked, dependence can develop into addiction. It's really only a matter of time.
How Does a Butrans Drug Addiction Develop?
It's possible to become a Butrans addict as someone continually abuses this medication. It can take some time for the misuse to turn into a more serious problem. However, it is a certainty that it will unless the drug is stopped.
If you are addicted to Butrans, you likely feel a need to use it every day. You may notice some significant changes in your life as a result.
For example, you may start to have problems with being productive at work. You could even lose your job because you took too many days off because you were high. These all indicate that you may have become an addict.
Are You an Addict? Learn the Signs and Symptoms
You may or may not know that you are an addict. Many addicts don't realize they are until someone points it out to them. Even then, many will continue to live in denial for years.
There are several signs that may prove you're a Buprenorphine addict. These might include:
- Strange responses to stressful situations
- Having an apathetic mood
- Experiencing diarrhea or other digestive issues
- Having strong cravings that you can't soothe
- Being preoccupied with using and obtaining your medicine
- Being unable to control your drug use
What do you think? Are you an addict? If you're still not sure, try taking an addiction quiz. That may give you some more information.
Drug Addiction Quiz
Buprenex Effects on the Brain and Body
Buprenex is going to have a profound effect on your mind and body. This is true whether you take it for a short time, or a long time. Most people find many of the short-term effects of Buprenex to be rather pleasant. This is why they keep using it.
The short-term effects of Buprenex include:
- Experiencing pain relief
- Having mild sensations of euphoria that can last as long as 8 hours
- Feeling calm and relaxed
- Having less worries and stress
- Becoming very sleepy
- Feelings of confusion
- Slower breathing rate than normal
The long-term effects of Buprenex are much more severe and worrisome. They can include:
- An increased risk of depression
- An increased risk of anxiety and panic attacks
- Constipation problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- A decrease in pain tolerance
- Frequently feeling disoriented
Will Quitting Cold Turkey Lead to Withdrawal?
Perhaps you have been on Buprenorphine substitution therapy for quite some time. Even with regular usage, stopping your medicine is likely to cause withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine withdrawal is difficult to deal with, and this is a drug that shouldn't be stopped quickly. It may be necessary to wean you off slowly before quitting it altogether.
Fortunately, detox programs do exist for those who are addicted. This can help you quit taking this drug safely, and minimize your discomfort as you heal.
Common Buprenorphine Withdrawal Symptoms
When you stop taking this medicine, withdrawal symptoms will begin within the first 12 hours of your last dose. They will increase in their intensity for the first three days and then it will get easier. You could experience withdrawal for about 10 days. Some people experience it longer.
Typically, withdrawal symptoms include:
- Restlessness in your legs
- Nausea, with or without vomiting
- Excessive sweating (hot or cold)
- The onset of pain
- Feeling anxious
- Feeling irritable
- Flu-like symptoms
- Bouts of insomnia
What is the Belbuca Detox Protocol?
The Belbuca detox protocol is going to look different for everyone who is addicted to this medicine. All addicts are different, and patients need to be treated as individuals. Typically, you're likely to experience one or more of the following:
Tapering off Your Medication - It's really not a good idea to stop any prescription drug abruptly. This can throw your system into shock as withdrawal symptoms take over. It's best to stop your medicine slowly. This gives your body a chance to adjust to what's happening.
Medical Detox - Medical detox is very popular in the United States. This is a process that involves giving you medications to help with your withdrawal symptoms. For example, if you have anxiety, you may be given a medication to help. If you have trouble sleeping, you may be given something for sleep.
The problem with medical detox is that many of the medications that are given carry their own addiction risks. This is something to keep in mind.
Holistic Detox - Today, there is a major shift toward holistic detox. This type of detoxification does not involve medications at all. Instead, diet, exercise and other natural methods are implemented. Many experts believe that this method is much more beneficial for patients long-term.
Find Buprenorphine Drug Addiction Treatment Right Away
This is not a drug you should just quit taking on your own. You may not have known you were doing anything wrong when you took your medication. Maybe you noticed your current dosage wasn't working as well, and so, you increased it. This happens all the time, but unfortunately, it often leads to addiction.
Here at Northpoint Recovery, we want you to know that you're not alone.
There are so many others who have fallen into the same trap. The most important thing you can do is to get the help you need to quit.
Your first step is to consider going through detox. This will help you with the physical part of the problem. After that, an inpatient drug rehab is highly recommended. This can help you to identify the cause of your addiction, and heal from it properly.
Do you have questions about Buprenorphine addiction or abuse? Please ask us your questions. Contact us to learn more.
Talk to a Rehab Specialist
Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They'll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free.
Verify Insurance