Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Abuse Treatment
There are many different medication options and treatment programs available for substance abuse recovery. Learn more about your options and how treatment is conducted at Brightside through these frequently asked questions.
Common OUD & Medication-Assisted Treatment Questions
What Happens If You Abruptly Stop Buprenorphine?
Like illicit opioids, stopping buprenorphine medications without tapering can cause unwanted side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Learn more with Dr. David Kushner.
What are the Different Forms of Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is a common medication used in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. Explore the different forms and their uses with Dr. David Kushner.
Is Your Recovery Any Less Valid When Using Medication?
There are many stigmas surrounding medication-assisted treatment, but using medication to support your recovery never makes your journey any less valid. Hear Dr. David Kushner’s opinion here.
Can You Use Buprenorphine While Pregnant?
Pregnant patients often use buprenorphine to reduce the risk of relapses, which is much more dangerous for the unborn child than using medication. Learn more with Dr. David Kushner.
Is There Any Benefit to Taking More Buprenorphine Than Prescribed?
Unlike illicit opioids, buprenorphine is designed to max out its effects at a certain dosage. Learn more about taking higher amounts of buprenorphine than prescribed with Dr. David Kushner.
Does Buprenorphine Have Any Pain Release Benefits?
To help patients stay in recovery, buprenorphine works on pain receptors in the brain to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Learn more with Dr. David Kushner.
What is Sublocade®?
Sublocade® is a monthly buprenorphine injection that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping patients comfortably stay in treatment. Learn more with Dr. David Kushner.
If You Have Surgery and Are on Buprenorphine, Will the Pain Medication Not Work?
Brightside works with physicians and anesthesiologists to ensure the pain medication prescribed after your surgery will work as expected. Hear from Dr. David Kushner.
Can You Get High Off Buprenorphine?
This is a myth, as buprenorphine has a ceiling point that ensures patients cannot experience the euphoric effects of illicit opioids while using buprenorphine medication. Learn more with Dr. David Kushner.
How Long Does It Take to Taper Off Buprenorphine?
Tapering off buprenorphine is not an exact science, and it will differ for each patient. Dr. David Kushner explains how tapering works and how the length is determined in the video below.
How Long Do You Need to Use Buprenorphine?
The length of buprenorphine treatment depends on many factors and will depend on each patient’s unique treatment needs. Learn more about buprenorphine treatment length with Dr. David Kushner.
Is Counseling Needed Alongside Medication-Assisted Treatment?
While not everyone will need counseling, some patients find that having a counselor throughout their medication-assisted treatment is beneficial. Dr. Kushner explains both sides of the coin.
What Can You Expect When Switching from Methadone to Buprenorphine?
Like tapering off buprenorphine, the first step in switching medications is reducing the methadone dose. Learn more about the Brightside process with Dr. David Kushner.
Is Buprenorphine Treatment Just Trading One Drug for Another?
This is a common misconception about buprenorphine. Buprenorphine helps patients move to an opioid-free life by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Learn more with Dr. David Kushner.
Is Buprenorphine Addictive?
Buprenorphine is a non-addictive, FDA-approved medication used to treat opioid use disorder. Learn more about this medication with Dr. David Kushner.
Start Your Treatment Journey at Brightside
Do you or a loved one need help with substance abuse? Brightside Recovery is here to help. Schedule a telehealth appointment or find a clinic near you to get started on your treatment journey.