"I've been on it about four weeks, and I feel like I've been let out of jail," said a sculptor from Provincetown, Mass., who said buprenorphine has enabled her to return to work and renew relationships with her family. "Can you imagine how much this is going to change the world? I think it can really revolutionize the detox field."

Unlike methadone, which is dispensed in liquid form at a clinic, buprenorphine is a pill that is dispensed through a prescription from a physician. This makes it easier on addicted individuals because they're not burdened with having to go to a clinic daily to receive treatment.

The prescribed treatment also enables recovering addicts to become contributing members of the community. Sheryl, who asked that her last name not be used, started on buprenorphine six weeks ago. Instead of spending all her money on heroin like before, she was able to get a job and earn money to pay her unpaid excise taxes and get her driver's license reinstated.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Kim on 12 Nov 08 07:16 PM EST

Yes, but is this addicting, and what are the withdrawal symptoms? How many miligrams of Methadone must the user be under to switch to buprenorphine?

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 200 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for all, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.
   
   
2. Do not post promotional links to organizations, products or services, or personal requests for assistance (get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.