Detoxes opiate-dependent patients
Buprenorphine: safer, shorter detox

by Jackie Hitchman, R.N., Nursing Coordinator, Pathways Treatment Center

Pathways Treatment Center has been detoxing opiate-dependent patients with buprenorphine for the past six months with positive results.

The drug, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administra-tion in October 2002, is used to treat dependence on opioid-based prescription drugs such as OxyContin, pain medications such as Hydroco-done and illicit drugs like heroin. Buprenorphine is one of three anti-opiate medications approved for use in the United States; the others are methadone and Levo-Alpha-Acetyl-Methadol.

Nearly a dozen patients have been detoxed with buprenorphine since July. The new medication is a partial opiate agonist, blocking withdrawal and craving without producing a strong narcotic high. It has minimized patients' withdrawal symptoms and made them more comfortable, making it possible for patients to participate in group therapy sessions and program activities at Pathways Treatment Center. The detox treatment period lasts from one to two weeks. Buprenorphine has a low risk for abuse and dependence, enabling patients to enter the 12-step recovery program.

Previously, Pathways Treatment Center used Clonidine and Ultram to detox opiate dependency. Buprenorphine has been found to give a more comfortable detox with fewer withdrawal symptoms.