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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Is Suboxone Used In Opiate Based Drug Detox Treatments?

I understand Suboxone is used as part of treatment in various facilities for Opiate based drug detox/treatment. I also understand that Suboxone has its own set of problems re: addiction. Why would you treat an opiate based drug withdrawal with another drug with addiction issues? Also, I can t get any specific answers from the treatment facilities that use Suboxone in this state as to: at the end of a 28 day detox/treatment is it the norm to try and completely wean the patient off the Suboxone, or is it the norm to have the patient stay on a minimal dose of Suboxone for basically the rest of the patient s life? I understand that everyone is different, but there must be some normal procedures/guidelines . Any explanation would be appreciated. Thank you.
Tue, 17 May 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI
It does seem paradoxical to treat opiate addiction with another addictive opiat drug
The idea behind Suboxone is to be able to quickly stop opiate withdrawal and to use a drug that prevents using other opiates while one is taking it. It doesn't produce the high of opiates and actually can make one sick if one tries to use opiates while taking it.
There usually is an active tapering regimen for Suboxone once the addict is firmly place in a life-time post-treatment program
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Why Is Suboxone Used In Opiate Based Drug Detox Treatments?

HI It does seem paradoxical to treat opiate addiction with another addictive opiat drug The idea behind Suboxone is to be able to quickly stop opiate withdrawal and to use a drug that prevents using other opiates while one is taking it. It doesn t produce the high of opiates and actually can make one sick if one tries to use opiates while taking it. There usually is an active tapering regimen for Suboxone once the addict is firmly place in a life-time post-treatment program