overdose
That Darn Suboxforum (and buprenorphine)
As he puts SuboxForum back together. Dr. Junig reflects on stigma about buprenorphie and medication assisted treatment.
Addiction
Menzies Gets it Wrong
In Opioid Addiction Treatment Should Not Last a Lifetime, Percy Menzies resurrects old theories to tarnish buprenorphine-based addiction treatment. Methadone maintenance withstood similar attacks over the decades, and remains the gold standard for the most important aspect of treating opioid dependence: preventing death. Menzies begins by claiming that a number of ideas that never Read more…
Addiction
Suboxone Detox is a Sucker’s Bet
First Posted 10/6/2013 I attended the US Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress meeting last week and actually attended the meetings (the event was held in Las Vegas), but I was disappointed by the absence of lectures about addiction. There are other mental health groups geared more toward addiction, but one would Read more…
Buprenorphine
Chipping Suboxone
First Published 8/31/2013 One reply to my last post said I go ‘on and on’ about things that could be said with fewer words. I asked the person to send me his/her version, and I hope he does—not to prove anything, but because I appreciate the chance to learn. He Read more…
Addiction
Addicted to Suboxone
First Published 7/23/2013 I hear from the anti-buprenorphine people now and then, less than I used to. I also hear from fans of this blog’s early days, when I routinely lost my temper in response to those people. Their general line was that things on heroin weren’t all that bad, but Read more…
Addiction
An Addict's Story
I received the following email last week. I considered trimming it down, but the story is well-written and describes a history that is similar to that of many of my patients. As usual, I will write a follow-up post in a week or so. Dear Dr. J, I have read Read more…
Addiction
Short-Timers
Another question from a reader: The current blog brings up the notion of long term use of Bupe or short term detox. You say you are a fan of long term use, and that is clearly a good thing when the patient is one headed back to a drug culture Read more…
Addiction
Jerk Counselor
Every now and then I hear about a therapist or addiction doc who is doing such a disservice to the practice of addiction medicine as to deserve special mention. This week’s award goes to a certain counselor at a treatment program in Oshkosh, WI, who I’ll refer to as ‘This Read more…
12 steps
Making People Stop
Below is an e-mail that I changed just enough to hide the person’s identity. Every week, I receive messages that describe similar situations. My husband has struggled GREATLY with substance abuse since in his 20’s; he is now in his mid-40’s. He is the kindest sweetest man and he is Read more…
12 steps
Relapse in an Era of Buprenorphine
A recent experience with a patient helped me realize some of the dramatic differences in the treatment of opioid dependence, in an era of buprenorphine. I drug-test patients who are treated with buprenorphine or Suboxone. The point of testing is not to catch someone messing up, but rather to determine Read more…
Addiction
Consequences Section
Weeks ago I posted a few new ideas—things like a memorial wall for victims of opioid dependence, and a ‘wall of shame’ for doctors who are known for reckless prescribing of opioids. I mentioned these ideas over at SuboxForum as well. I received good feedback from readers here, and from Read more…
Addiction
Scam City
When Suboxone first became an option for treating addiction to pain pills back in 2003, some people were excited about having a cure for opioid dependence. Those people were mistaken. It is true that Suboxone has been a huge benefit for treating opioid dependence, but the medication cannot cause the Read more…