What is opiate dependence?

Opiate dependence consists of physical and mental dependence to prescription painkillers and/or heroin. It affects many people and can occur as the brain adapts to regular opiate use over a period of time. Opiates include prescription medications used to treat pain such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl. The street drug heroin is also considered an opiate. Opiate dependence is a chronic disease that can affect anyone and it has become an epidemic in the United States. In 2016, approximately 11.5 million Americans 12 years and older misused opiate pain medications, and 1.8 million had a substance use disorder involving prescription pain medications. Overdose from opiates is also rapidly growing problem as more than 500,000 persons died due to opiate overdoses from 2000 to 2015.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a partial opiate agonist that is used to treat someone who is addicted to an opiate such as heroin or a prescription painkiller. Buprenorphine is a medication that can be prescribed directly by a doctor’s office and when used properly, it can decrease cravings for opiates and alleviate unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine alone has the potential for abuse and diversion therefore it is often  coupled with a drug called naloxone that will initiate withdrawal symptoms if attempts are made to misuse it via injection. 

​Dr. Molina prescribes medications that contain a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone including Suboxone and Zubsolv. These medicines are used to treat opiate dependence and can be weaned down to lower doses over time or continued at a maintenance dose to prevent relapse. If you recognize you have a problem with prescription painkillers or heroin and are ready to change your life then please contact us to set up an appointment.