What Is Opiate Use Disorder/Dependency

Opiate dependency is the condition of a physical need for opiate usage, without which precipitates withdrawal symptoms.  Withdrawal symptoms may include, but are not limited to, cephalalgia (headache), myalgia (muscle aches), arthralgia (joint pain), palpitations, diarrhea, abdominal colic (cramping), nausea, vomiting, paresthesias (altered body sensations), chills, sweating, runny nose, watery eyes, anxiety, and fear. 

Opiate dependency occurs with chronic opiate usage, even when used appropriately and prescribed by a physician for appropriate medical reasons. 

Opiate addiction implies an intense psychological desire to use opiate drugs.  People who are addicted have a propensity to abuse drugs.  Abuse encompasses a plethora of addictive behaviors, including but not limited to: 

Usage of medication or drugs for which there is not sufficient medical justification of the need for the drug, or the amount of the drug utilized by the consumer of the drug. 

Misuse of drugs by unhealthy administration including snorting, huffing/inhaling, subcutaneous injection (skin popping), intramuscular injection, intravenous injection, usage of suppositories, transdermal application or oral administration in an inappropriate fashion, i.e. any usage of a drug other than the properly prescribed mechanism of administration. 

Continued usage of a substance despite obvious risks or consequences to the user or others.  This includes risks or consequences to health, safety, legality, finances, and performance of needful actions such as work.  Addiction usually causes consequences to the addicted individual and others, including family, employer, and friends. 

An exaggerated importance given to the addictive substance or behaviors that places the desire to perpetuate the addiction above the importance of one’s relationship with God, other people, or oneself. 

Lying, stealing, manipulating or other unhealthy or unethical practices or immoral behaviors to perpetuate the addiction. 

How Buprenorphine Helps Opiate Use Disorder:

Buprenorphine has unique properties that:

• Diminish the effects of physical dependency to opioids, such as withdrawal symptoms and cravings

• Increase safety in cases of overdose

• Lower the potential for misuse

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Leer to see if this treatment option could be right for you.

For more information please refer to SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options/buprenorphine

How Buprenorphine Helps With Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. Many people struggle with managing their chronic pain or have had difficulty with previous treatment options including opiates. 

Opiates may help control pain for the short term, but often fail to control long term (chronic) pain due to what is known as tolerance. People exposed to long term opiate treatment can develop tolerance, requiring higher doses of medicine to receive the same relief. This can be dangerous resulting in overdose, impairment, dependence, or addiction.

Buprenorphine is a safer alternative to full opiates that can effectively address pain with a lower risk of of overdose, impairment, or building high tolerance. This means people can stay on the same dose for years while continuing to receive the same amount of relief. This is due to buprenorphine's unique traits that allow it to serve as both an opiate agonist and antagonist. Simply put buprenorphine activates some opiate receptor sites that helps relieve pain while also blocking other opiate receptor sites preventing overdose and tolerance.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Leer to see if this treatment option could be right for you.