Buprenorphine Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

Buprenorphine is a medication used to help people who are addicted to opioids, like heroin and also sometimes to manage pain. It works by partially activating the opioid receptors in the brain, which can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without giving a strong “high.”

Buprenorphine has a “ceiling effect” so it is less likely to be misused (this means that at a certain dose, taking more Buprenorphine won’t increase its effects) and this reduces the risk of overdose and addiction. However, it is still possible to become dependent on the drug and to experience other Buprenorphine side effects such as:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Insomnia

In the UK, Buprenorphine is a Class C drug and is regulated under Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This means there are heavy penalties for illegal Buprenorphine use. It can only be prescribed by a doctor who must strictly monitor patients.

Buprenorphine addiction happens when you compulsively start using it, despite the obvious difficulties it is causing you. Like other forms of opioid addiction, it changes your brain and behaviour, creating a powerful physical and psychological dependence.

Most people start taking Buprenorphine to help with withdrawal symptoms from a stronger opioid like heroin or to manage chronic pain. Initially, it works well, helping you feel better and reducing the unpleasant cravings. But over time, you might find that the usual dose doesn’t seem to work as well as it used to, so you start taking higher doses to satisfy your needs.

After a little time, you might notice that you rely on Buprenorphine not just to feel normal but to avoid feeling sick. This is a sign that your body has become dependent on the drug, so stopping it can cause the same withdrawal symptoms it was prescribed to manage.

You can then become psychologically dependent on Buprenorphine, fearing these symptoms and worrying if you stop taking it, you will relapse to other drugs. You might begin to seek out extra prescriptions or buy the drug illegally, with your relationships and responsibilities all suffering as you focus more and more on getting and using Buprenorphine.

Buprenorphine is specially designed to be safer than other opioids but still satisfy a dependent body and brain’s need for drugs. This makes it an excellent solution for gradually tapering off dangerous drugs like heroin and fentanyl. However, some people have a higher risk than others of becoming addicted to Buprenorphine because of certain underlying causes, which include:

Past opioid addiction

The vast majority of people who take Buprenorphine do so to deal with opioid withdrawal symptoms when weaning off another drug. However, a past addiction may mean that your brain is still wired a certain way, making it easier to get addicted to Buprenorphine.

High stress or trauma

People who are dealing with a lot of stress or have gone through traumatic experiences might use Buprenorphine not just for physical pain but also to escape emotional pain. This can lead to addiction as you feel like you cannot cope without it and that the problems it causes are worth it.

Mental health issues

If you have conditions like anxiety, depression or PTSD, Buprenorphine might seem like a way to feel better, at least temporarily. However, using it to self-medicate these feelings can quickly make you dependent on it to get through everyday life.

Lack of support

Without friends, family or a support network, it can be harder to deal with recovery from other drugs. This lack of support can make it easier to misuse Buprenorphine, which can then lead to addiction.

Misunderstanding the drug

Some people might think Buprenorphine is completely safe because it’s used to treat addiction. This misunderstanding can lead to taking too much and becoming addicted to Buprenorphine itself.

Buprenorphine addiction can take over your life in every possible way but recognising these hazards early on can help you seek the help you need:

Comprehensive Buprenorphine addiction treatment begins with a medically supervised detox to manage all the distressing and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms safely. The best opioid rehab programmes then provide individualised therapy, group sessions and holistic practices to address the root causes of addiction. Post-rehab, aftercare services and relapse prevention planning will help you stay sober and build a positive, drug-free future.

Are you struggling with Buprenorphine addiction? Linwood House offers treatment plans that leave no stone unturned on your recovery path. Contact us today and allow our team to support you through detox, rehab and beyond. Your chance for a new life begins now.