Buprenorphine is a medication that can be used for the treatment of moderate to severe opioid addictions. People who take this medication are often prescribed low doses in a medical detox environment or during an extended stay in an inpatient rehab facility in South Florida. The medication is prescribed, and an experienced medical professional closely monitors the dose. A client will never take the medication without a medical professional present. 
Correlation Between Buprenorphine and Addiction
Buprenorphine can be easily abused. This chemical substance has the potential to be habit-forming. While it can be effective for treating a life-threatening opioid addiction, it can also be addictive in and of itself. This is why buprenorphine is typically only used in the case of severe addiction and why it is used as a short-term solution and is generally only effective in the long term when combined with intensive behavioral therapy and a range of other addiction treatment services. Some people who have been sober for an extended period might be wondering whether or not buprenorphine has the potential to cause a relapse. You might be thinking, “How can I be sure that I won’t become dependent on this medication, and what steps can I take to ensure that using buprenorphine doesn’t trigger a desire or craving to use other opioid narcotics like painkillers or heroin?” Buprenorphine must only be taken when prescribed by a medical professional. Someone who has a mild, non-life-threatening addiction but a personal history of opioid abuse avoids taking this drug unless necessary. If you misuse buprenorphine, there is a very good chance that you will relapse on your drug of choice. Continue reading or contact us today to learn more.
How Do Drugs Like Buprenorphine Lead to Relapse?
How can a drug like buprenorphine lead to relapse? The unfortunate truth is that a person with an opioid abuse disorder who has not undergone comprehensive treatment in a rehab center or another longer-term treatment program might be susceptible to using any opioid medication other than prescribed. If a person starts misusing buprenorphine, they are setting themselves up to experience a full-blown relapse. Once the ball is set in motion, it can be difficult to stop a relapse from occurring before it is too late, especially if the person fails to seek help. Relapse occurs in three main stages — emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse. An emotional relapse occurs when a person starts to feel restless, irritable, or discontent. They might not be thinking about a relapse, but they feel emotionally low and aren’t taking steps to improve their mood. Then the mental stage of the relapse occurs, and a person might start glamorizing their substance use. They might start convincing themselves of things that aren’t true, like, “If I increase my dose of buprenorphine, it won’t matter because it’s a medication.” Or, “Taking some Oxycontin is the same as taking buprenorphine; no one will know the difference.” Finally comes the physical stage, when actual relapse occurs. Reach out for help as soon as you sense an impending relapse before it is too late.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar and Opioid Addiction Recovery
Suppose you or someone you love has been struggling with opioid addiction in South Florida. In that case, buprenorphine might be a useful part of more comprehensive treatment programs in Miramar, one that includes therapy and any other necessary services. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we offer medication-assisted treatment options, which might include buprenorphine when necessary. However, we also treat buprenorphine abuse and dependence. Therefore, as soon as you decide to reach out for help, we will be there. We are truly only a phone call away. After you pick up the phone and contact us, you will be put in touch with someone available to walk you through our simple admissions process. We understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, especially when you have been abusing a medication like buprenorphine which was initially prescribed to treat a similar problem.
We Are Here To Help!
Rest assured, we will never judge you and only meet you with compassion and understanding. We are here to help because no one is capable of overcoming addiction entirely on their own. We look forward to speaking with you soon and helping you get started on your journey of recovery.
