How Buvidal Injections Support Long-Term Recovery

Buvidal for opioid addiction. Does it work? Is it right for me? How do I obtain it? Let our clinicians answer your questions. If you are wondering how Buvidal injections support long-term recovery: read on!

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians who have decades of experience prescribing Methadone, Oral Buprenorphine and Buvidal. We provide Free Clinician Drug Advice to all. Our advise is always free, totally confidential and wholly impartial. If you need 24 Hour Addiction Help: Call.

Opioid dependency continues to be problematic across the world. Traditional treatment plans usually include either Methadone and oral Buprenorphine. Both are evidence based, low cost and available, without charge, through local statutory addiction services as well as private rehabs. Long-term recovery with Buvidal could become a viable option for many individuals seeking help.

Buvidal long term recovery

There is a plethora of research to support the use of both Methadone and Oral Buprenorphine and the national guidelines in the UK from the Department of Health as well as NICE both support their use. Both are opioids, though work slightly differently, and their use will stop the uncomfortable withdrawals that plague users who want to stop using opioids. It is clear that when people engage in treatment with either Methadone or oral Buprenorphine they are far more likely to be abstinent from illegal drugs and to engage in therapy.

Buvidal for opioid addiction

There are some considerations when using Methadone or oral Buprenorphine. One issue that some clients find particularly difficult to navigate is being able to adhere to the medication regime. To begin with, if starting treatment in the community, they will have to go to the chemist, daily, for at least the first few weeks.

After a time, if they test negative for illegal drugs, they will be able to collect medication weekly or fortnightly, depending on the decision of their clinician. For those working, in education, etc this can be prohibitive. Also, there can be some stigma around having to attend a pharmacy, daily, where they have to be supervised when taking the medication. Oral Buprenorphine, if prescribed in tablet form, can take several minutes to dissolve in the mouth which can be problematic when aiming for long term recovery goals.

In 2019 Buprenorphine became available in a long acting injectable form in the UK. This means that clients no longer have to take medication daily and won’t have to attend a pharmacy to obtain it. Injectable Buprenorphine, known as Buvidal, is administered weekly, to begin with, and then monthly. As such you can not forget to take it, lose it or be bullied into giving it to anyone else. This makes it quite beneficial for anyone pursuing long term recovery.

Opioids

Sadly, in 2021 there were nearly 5000 deaths in the UK related to drugs and over half were due to opioids. Drugs such as morphine and heroin are forms of opioids which all derive from the opium poppy which is commonly grown in Afghanistan. There are also synthetic drugs that are prescribed by clinicians that are similar to opioids such as tramadol and fentanyl. Establishing long-term strategies is crucial to curb this crisis.

Buvidal for opioid addiction

When you take an opioid, either a prescribed one or illegal drugs, they both do the same thing to the opioid pathways in the brain which is why the pain relief effect is released. Opioids also make the user feel pleasure and an intense euphoria. However, they can also cause respiratory distress, especially when combined with other drugs, medicines and alcohol. This can be fatal. Addressing these risks is important for anyone on the journey of long term recovery.

As anyone in recovery will tell you, coming off opioids can be incredibly difficult. Forget the Hollywood illusion that all you need is a bucket, a bottle of water and some toilet roll. Withdrawing without medical intervention can be fatal, especially due to the dehydration that comes from explosive diarrheas, making medications like Buvidal a crucial part of long-term recovery strategies.

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians who have decades of experience prescribing Methadone, Oral Buprenorphine and Buvidal. We provide Free Clinician Drug Advice to all. Our advise is always free, totally confidential and wholly impartial. If you need 24 Hour Addiction Help: Call.

Opioid substitution therapy

Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) has been the mainstay of recovery from opioid dependency for several decades. With OST the purity is known so the risk of overdose is reduced. As the medication is provided free from community services (it is available privately) there is less need to steal and shoplift. The developments in OST contribute to long-term recovery efforts.

When someone is attending a chemist for Methadone and oral Buprenorphine they run the risk of coming into contact with peers who may still be using. The SARS2/COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the potential for Buvidal as it reduced the need for clients to venture out and be close to other people, which supports their journey towards long term recovery.

Results

A recent survey of clients using Buvidal has found that they experience lower levels of anxiety and cravings as well as reduced use of illicit opioids. Paid employment and improved family relationships have also been early signs among the cohort. These positive outcomes are significant indicators of success in long term recovery.

One of the challenges connected with Buvidal (which is the same as oral Buprenorphine) is that it is necessary to be in withdrawal from opioids before starting treatment. This is because of the way the medication attaches itself to opioids receptors in the brain: If there are opioids attached when you take Buvidal it will knock them off forcing you into withdrawal. Understanding these requirements is essential for a successful start to long term recovery.

Buvidal for opioid addiction

There is evidence that those clients who use crack, in addition to opioids, experience a higher crack use on Buprenorphine though they also report being more clear-headed: which is a bonus in their journey to full and long term recovery.

The urban legend that Buprenorphine is a “blocker” is only partly true. While it has a ceiling effect this means that taking more than you need to will not have a positive effect but may cause respiratory depression. As with opioids, if you take other drugs, medications and alcohol this risk increases. Safe use is part of the key to long term recovery.

Buvidal is indicated for long-term use meaning the aim is to get settled on the medication and stay on it for a period of time before reducing. Some clients prefer to stay on the medication which, if agreed with the treating clinician, should not be an issue and can support long term recovery goals.

To start a course of Buvidal, if you have not used Buprenorphine before, a 4MG tablet will be prescribed for you. This is known as tolerance testing. You will need to remain at the service for an hour so that you can be monitored for side effects. While these are rare, once you have had the injection it would be a bit too late to address any issues if aiming for Buvidal long term recovery.

Buvidal for opioid addiction

Buvidal comes in three different strengths, in the same way the oral form does. Usually, you start on a weekly dose ,then progress to a monthly one. It is sometimes useful for clients to have a top up dose (or more than one) during the first week. If you are already on oral Buprenorphine it is very straightforward for your clinician to switch you over. For those on Methadone clients are usually switched over at 30MG. Remember: You will need to be in withdrawal before you start. Your clinician will explain the process necessary for successful long term recovery.

If you and your clinician decide it is time to stop Buvidal this can be done by reducing the dose over a period of time, switching to the oral form or simply stopping the injections and the body will adjust over time, supporting a new phase in long term recovery.

Buvidal for opioid addiction

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians who have decades of experience prescribing Methadone, Oral Buprenorphine and Buvidal. We provide Free Clinician Drug Advice to all. Our advise is always free, totally confidential and wholly impartial. If you need 24 Hour Addiction Help: Call.

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