The Waismann Method, a world-renowned opiate dependency treatment center, recently released findings from its 30-Second Buprenorphine Dependency Survey. The results reveal a concerning trend: nearly three-quarters (70%) of respondents who began taking Buprenorphine to overcome their narcotic dependency found themselves dependent on the drug and required assistance to stop using it. This survey was conducted in light of increasing reports promoting Buprenorphine as an effective treatment for dependency on prescription painkillers and illegal drugs such as heroin.
Buprenorphine: The “Miracle” Drug with a Hidden Dependency Risk
Buprenorphine, often marketed as a “miracle” drug for ending opiate dependency, has been embraced by many as a social solution for reducing crime and preventing the spread of disease. However, Dr. Michael H. Lowenstein, MD, the medical director of the Waismann Method and a board-certified specialist in addiction medicine, warns that the drug is not without significant risks. Dr. Lowenstein, who is certified to dispense Buprenorphine for opiate dependency treatment, has observed a notable increase in patients seeking help to stop using Buprenorphine—a drug originally prescribed to help them break free from other opioids.
The Reality Behind Buprenorphine Dependency
According to the Waismann Method survey, 53% of those who developed a dependency on Buprenorphine were told by their doctors that the drug would cure their opiate dependency. Alarmingly, 50% of respondents indicated that they were never informed about the potential for physical dependency on Buprenorphine. This lack of patient education has led to many individuals believing they would be free from their addiction, only to find themselves dependent on yet another opioid.
“Buprenorphine is being sold as a miracle cure that will put an end to opiate dependency, and it has been embraced as a social cure for reducing crime and preventing the spread of disease,” said Dr. Lowenstein. “Although it doesn’t carry the negative stigma associated with visiting a methadone clinic, the Waismann Method survey shows that people who take Buprenorphine run the risk of developing a physical dependency. Patients need to be educated that it’s a replacement therapy which is half opiate in composition.”
The Stigma-Free Alternative with Its Own Risks
Buprenorphine, currently sold under the brand names Suboxone® and Subutex®, is a painkiller composed of 50% opiate. While it has been used to treat dependency in Europe for years, its use is becoming more widespread in the United States. Because Buprenorphine can be prescribed in pill form and taken privately at home, it lacks the stigma associated with methadone clinics. However, this perceived advantage has also contributed to the misconception that Buprenorphine is a risk-free solution.
The Challenge of Proper Patient Education
Doctors are required to undergo certification to dispense Buprenorphine for opiate dependency treatment. However, many patients are not adequately informed about the potential for dependency. As a result, they are often given false hope that their physical dependency on opioids will be resolved.
“When OxyContin first came out, it was marketed to patients as a treatment for pain that would replace their Vicodin dependencies, but it was only a matter of time before they became physically hooked on OxyContin itself,” explained Dr. Lowenstein. “Likewise, patients taking Buprenorphine may initially believe they will be free from their dependency, but ultimately will realize it is simply another opiate replacement.”
Federal Limitations on Buprenorphine Treatment
While Buprenorphine can be prescribed in the privacy of a doctor’s office, federal regulations limit the number of patients a certified doctor can treat at any given time to 30. This limitation, combined with the growing demand for the drug, has led to concerns about adequate access to treatment and the potential for misuse.
Seeking Safe and Effective Alternatives
The findings from the Waismann Method’s survey underscore the importance of patient education and the need for safe, effective alternatives to opioid replacement therapies like Buprenorphine. Patients seeking to overcome opiate dependency should be fully informed about all treatment options, including the potential risks associated with replacement therapies.
The Waismann Method offers a medically supervised detoxification process that helps patients achieve lasting recovery without substituting one dependency for another. Our approach prioritizes patient safety, comfort, and long-term success, providing a clear path to freedom from opioid dependency.
Conclusion
Buprenorphine, while initially promising as a treatment for opiate dependency, carries its own significant risks, including the potential for physical dependency. The Waismann Method’s 30-Second Buprenorphine Dependency Survey highlights the critical need for proper patient education and the dangers of relying on replacement therapies without understanding the full scope of their effects.
If you or someone you know is struggling with dependency on Buprenorphine or any other opioid, it’s crucial to seek professional help. The Waismann Method offers a comprehensive, safe, and effective approach to detoxification and long-term recovery.
Contact Us Today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one achieve true freedom from opioid dependency.
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