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- Buprenorphine Implementation ToolkitAn overview of how organizations can use NIATx practices and tools to implement or improve a buprenorphine treatment program.
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Buprenorphine Implementation Toolkit
- Introduction
- Why buprenorphine?
- Starting or improving a buprenorphine treatment program
- Securing buy-in
- Recruiting physicians
- Paying for buprenorphine
- Addressing concerns about diversion
- Developing and improving processes
- Sample forms
- Fact Sheets
- Searchable database of buprenorphine news and information
- Videos: Buprenorphine Barriers
Addressing concerns about overdose, withdrawal, and tapering
Overdose Education
Patients have to abstain from opioids for at least 12 to 48 hours before they can receive their first dose of buprenorphine.
Tolerance will decrease while patients experience withdrawal symptoms. The risk for dangerous consequences increases as craving and preoccupation intensify.
An important part of connecting patients with medication is educating them on overdose prevention when abstaining from illicit opioids to prepare for starting buprenorphine treatment. The Recovery Research Institute provides this infographic: How to Identify a Drug Overdose.
Agency policy for responding to patients in withdrawal
Treatment staff should also be trained to recognize signs of withdrawal in patients and to respond appropriately.
See sample form: Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Withdrawal
See sample form: Overdose Education Handout
Addressing patient concerns about the tapering process
Buprenorphine prescribers should be prepared to address clients' concerns about the tapering process. Patients and their family members may have anxiety and fear of relapse to illicit opioid use if they discontinue buprenorphine therapy.