A medication used to treat opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and withdrawal. It’s often combined with naloxone in medications like Suboxone®.
In the context of addiction treatment:
Buprenorphine is part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) / medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and can be prescribed in office-based settings.
What to know:
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Buprenorphine is itself an opioid, but when used correctly under medical supervision, it can be life-saving and stabilizing.
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People who use buprenorphine as prescribed are in treatment and recovery, not “still using” in the same way as active illicit use.