Using Buprenorphine to Treat Opioid Addiction
Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), helping manage withdrawal symptoms and support ongoing recovery.1,2 It’s one of several effective, evidence-based options and has improved outcomes for many people.1,2
Read on to discover how buprenorphine works, its benefits and side effects, what to expect during treatment, and how to begin opioid addiction recovery with this medication.
What Is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved addiction treatment medication for treating opioid use disorder (OUD).1
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates the brain’s opioid receptors but to a much lesser degree than full opioid agonists like heroin or prescription painkillers.1
This mechanism helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same euphoric high, which lowers the risk of misuse and dangerous respiratory depression.2
Buprenorphine is the generic term for the medication which is sold under several brand names, including:3,4
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone combination, available as a sublingual film).
- Brixadi or Sublocade (extended-release injections).
- Zubsolv (buprenorphine/naloxone combination, available as a sublingual tablet).
- Generic buprenorphine or buprenorphine and naloxone combination (available as a dissolving sublingual tablet or film).
Buprenorphine Uses
Buprenorphine is primarily prescribed to treat opioid use disorder by managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. When a person takes it, it can also block the effects of other opioids.2,5
It is effective during detox to ease the discomfort of withdrawal and serves a key part of an ongoing maintenance treatment plan to help people sustain their recovery and prevent relapse.5
When included as part of a comprehensive and supportive treatment plan, buprenorphine helps create a stable foundation for lasting recovery from OUD.
How Does Buprenorphine Work?
Buprenorphine works by binding strongly to the same opioid receptors in the brain that other opioids attach to. However, it activates them less intensely than full agonists do. This partial activation provides enough stimulation to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, helping to normalize brain chemistry without causing dangerous side effects.5
By occupying these receptors buprenorphine can also block other opioids from attaching, which helps prevent their effects and reduce the risk of misuse and overdose.5
Buprenorphine supports long-term recovery by helping the brain and body adjust more comfortably. It’s available in several formulations, including tablets, films, and injections, offering flexible treatment options to fit individual needs.
Buprenorphine’s Ceiling Effect
A key safety feature of buprenorphine is its “ceiling effect.” This means that after a certain dose, taking more of the medication does not increase its effects. This feature significantly lowers the risk of misuse and overdose.2
The ceiling effect is crucial in making buprenorphine a safer option for treating OUD. It helps prevent the life-threatening respiratory depression (i.e., slowed breathing) that can happen with high doses of full opioid agonists.2
This property allows buprenorphine to effectively support recovery without the same potential for harm that comes with other opioids.2
By balancing effectiveness with safety, the ceiling effect makes buprenorphine a valuable medication for people working to regain stability and manage opioid use disorder.
How Long Will Buprenorphine Treatment Last?
There’s no set timeline for buprenorphine treatment. The duration varies based on each person’s unique needs, progress, and recovery goals. The length of treatment should be flexible and tailored to support a lasting recovery rather than being based on a rigid schedule.1
Everyone’s recovery journey is different, and buprenorphine can be used safely for as long as it provides medical benefits. Ending treatment prematurely can increase the risk of relapse and overdose, so it’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right path forward.2
Buprenorphine Side-Effects
Like any medication, buprenorphine can cause side effects. Most are mild and often improve as the body adjusts, but it’s still important to be aware of them. Side effects can depend on the dose, formulation, and individual factors, such as other health conditions or medications.
Some of the more common side effects of buprenorphine include:2,6
- Gastrointestinal distress (constipation, nausea, vomiting).
- Headache.
- Sweating.
- Mouth irritation or numbness.
- Dizziness.
- Drowsiness and fatigue.
- Difficulty with attention.
While the list of possible side effects may seem worrisome, most are manageable and short-lived. For many, the positive impact of buprenorphine in treating OUD is life-changing. If you have concerns about side effects, your healthcare provider can help you manage them.
Will Insurance Cover Buprenorphine?
Yes, in most cases, insurance covers buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder.
In the U.S., most health insurance plans must cover treatment for substance use disorders—including medications like buprenorphine—thanks to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).7
However, coverage can vary widely depending on the insurance company and the specific plan.
It’s helpful to verify your benefits and understand precisely what your plan covers before starting treatment.
AdCare Treatment Centers accept a range of insurance providers, including Cigna, Humana, and many others. Our team can help you navigate using health insurance for drug or alcohol rehab, including insurance requirements and paperwork, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
To check your insurance coverage for rehab, simply complete our now.
Buprenorphine Treatment at AdCare
AdCare Rhode Island provides comprehensive, personalized care for OUD. Our continuum of care includes medical detox, inpatient residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and standard outpatient services.
Our inpatient drug rehab in Rhode Island has treatment plans tailored to meet each person’s specific needs, incorporating evidence-based therapies and medications for addiction treatment, including buprenorphine.
Our team is available 24/7 to assist with insurance verification, ways to pay for rehab, the rehab admissions process, and more.
Reach out and take your first step toward recovery today. Call now.