The United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic, with millions suffering from opioid addiction and approximately 50,000 opioid-related deaths annually. This crisis has profound impacts on individuals, families, communities, and society, including withdrawal symptoms, depression, criminal justice involvement, lost productivity, and the high cost of addiction treatment.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has dominated media coverage, the opioid epidemic persists. The pandemic’s impact on in-person medical services has left many patients without access to essential addiction treatment.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a successful strategy for treating opioid use disorder (OUD), combining medication with cognitive behavioral therapy (counseling). Buprenorphine, often combined with naloxone, is one of the most effective and safest medications for MAT. It treats withdrawal symptoms and cravings while preventing overdoses and deaths. When prescribed correctly, buprenorphine does not impair job performance or cognitive functions.
While methadone is also used in MAT, it has disadvantages, such as causing drowsiness and requiring daily administration at a clinic. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist and antagonist, can be self-administered after consultation with a licensed addiction specialist.
What is Tele-MAT?
According to a Pew analysis, 88.6% of rural counties lack adequate access to MAT programs. The overlap of the opioid crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic has further limited access to MAT. Recognizing this emergency, the DEA now allows addiction specialists to prescribe buprenorphine via phone or video without an initial in-person visit. On March 31, 2020, QuickMD became the first Tele-MAT service in the U.S. to offer Medication-Assisted Treatment and Suboxone online.
Is it Safe to be Prescribed Buprenorphine via the Internet?
While an in-person doctor-patient relationship is ideal, many Americans lack access to MAT, leading to preventable deaths. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the DEA permits practitioners to prescribe buprenorphine via telemedicine without an initial in-person evaluation. If a doctor deems a patient suitable for buprenorphine after a video or phone consultation, they can prescribe the medication.
How Do I Prevent Myself from Being Taken Advantage Of?
Patients with OUD are vulnerable to exploitation by unethical addiction services. To find quality services, consult reputable sources such as:
- SAMHSA (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline)
- American Society of Addiction Medicine (https://www.asam.org/Quality-Science/resource-links/patient-resources)
- NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings (https://www.na.org)
- Check reviews and verify certification through services like LegitScript (https://www.legitscript.com)
What is the Difference Between Suboxone, Buprenorphine, and Subutex?
Buprenorphine and Subutex are the same; Subutex is the brand name for buprenorphine. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Most doctors prescribe the combination drug to minimize the risk of illegal diversion. Naloxone in Suboxone has little effect unless injected, thus deterring misuse.
What are the Side Effects of Buprenorphine?
Common side effects include headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite, constipation, skin rashes, weight gain, reduced sex drive, and menstrual changes in women. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.
What About Drug Testing?
Drug testing is not required in most states for starting buprenorphine treatment. It can pose barriers, delays, logistical problems, or be too expensive. However, drug testing may be necessary if prescribed buprenorphine alone instead of the combination medication.
If you or a family member are struggling with opioid addiction, do not wait to seek help. You may contact one of the resources mentioned above, or if you feel ready to start buprenorphine or continue treatment, talk to one of our addiction specialists at QuickMD, available seven days a week.
