The FDA has approved two versions of the drug buprenorphine for treating opiate dependence, clearing the way for heroin and other opiate users to receive treatment in doctors' offices in addition to methadone clinics.
Like methadone, buprenorphine can be used to treat dependence on opioid-based prescription drugs, such as OxyContin and various pain medications, as well as illicit drugs like heroin. But buprenorphine is subject to less-stringent government regulation than methadone, meaning doctors may be more willing to prescribe it to patients.
My feelings are mixed.
While at first quite enthused about the prospect of a pain-free, outpatient heroin kick I couldn't help but think "Cool. Get strung-out, see the doc, come down and do it again..." Easy. Maybe too easy?
Resources:
SoberRecovery.com-Suboxone
Support Systems Homes
Assisted Recovery
Home Detox of California
Thursday, October 21, 2004
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