Navigating Precipitated Withdrawal (PWD): You Are Not Alone
Fentanyl has made the transition medication-assisted treatment more difficult, requiring a drawn-out process of abstinence before to avoid PWD. Step Free Recovery offers you the latest, evidence-based approaches to buprenorphine induction to overcome the challenges presented with addiction to stronger, long-acting opioids. Don't let yourself become a statistic. Learn about your options for a quicker, more comfortable detox.
Telehealth has emerged as a game-changer in the treatment of OUD. It breaks down barriers to access, allowing patients to receive timely and continuous care from the comfort of their homes. This approach is crucial in providing supportive care, especially for those hesitant to seek treatment due to stigma or logistical challenges. For many grappling with OUD, the fear of precipitated withdrawal is a formidable obstacle to seeking help. With rapid relief from withdrawal symptoms and compassionate support that comes with personalized care, our rapid induction method not only facilitates a smoother recovery process, but also signifies a significant leap forward in effective OUD treatment.
Navigating OUD Treatment with Telehealth and Innovative Care
Fentanyl, as a potent synthetic opioid, takes longer to leave the body compared to other opioids due to its high lipid solubility and longer half-life. This means it remains in the fat tissues and bloodstream for an extended period, which makes transitioning to medications like buprenorphine more complex. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist with a high affinity for opioid receptors, meaning it quickly displaces stronger opioids like fentanyl from those receptors. If buprenorphine is introduced too soon, while fentanyl is still actively binding to the receptors, this can trigger precipitated withdrawal, a sudden and intense onset of withdrawal symptoms.
Understanding PWD
No Prolonged Abstinence Requirement: This method allows patients to begin buprenorphine without waiting for severe withdrawal symptoms.
Duration of Discomfort: Withdrawal symptoms are short-lived and tightly managed, lasting only about 40 minutes until relief begins.
Setting: Conducted remotely via telehealth, allowing patients to stay in the comfort of their home.
Post-Induction: Patients typically feel lethargic and may go to sleep soon after the process. Follow-up check-ins with the provider the next day to assess dosage and recovery progress.
Support: Provides real-time guidance throughout the process via videoconference.
Suitability: Designed for individuals seeking a quicker, controlled transition to buprenorphine without enduring extended withdrawal.
Rapid Induction
Abstinence Requirement: Requires 12-24 hours of abstinence before starting buprenorphine. Patients must wait until moderate withdrawal symptoms emerge (COWS score of 12 or more).
Precipitated Withdrawal: Risk of precipitated withdrawal if buprenorphine is taken too early (before moderate withdrawal begins). Timing is critical.
Duration of Discomfort: Discomfort from opioid withdrawal can last for 12-24 hours or longer, depending on when buprenorphine is started and the patient’s opioid use.
Setting: Patients usually opt to wait it out and take their first dose on their own at home, but your provider will create a treatment plan to ensure optimal timing for the first dose.
Post-Induction: Patients are monitored to ensure symptoms subside and cravings decrease.
Support: Provider check-ins are available during this critical period for more seamless stabilization.
Suitability: Ideal for those comfortable with waiting out withdrawal and following a more gradual induction process.
Standard Induction
The timing of buprenorphine induction is critical. If done prematurely, it can lead to precipitated withdrawal. However, enduring day after day of intensifying withdrawal feels nearly impossible when your body is addicted to opioids. Simply prescribing buprenorphine without offering any guidance or supervision is not enough for some —at Step Free Recovery, we navigate you through the process so you choose the right treatment plan, with an emphasis on minimizing discomfort.
The Value of Personalized Care When Starting MAT
We know that the idea of rapid induction might feel daunting, and some may prefer the traditional approach to starting treatment. Your autonomy is our priority, and we’re here to guide you through all your options. To ensure your comfort and ease throughout the process, you will receive detailed instructions, comfort medications, and ongoing support from your provider. To those already on buprenorphine and simply looking for more accessible treatment, we are happy to continue your care