Are there current signs of intoxication or withdrawal? Is there a risk for severe withdrawal?
The physician should assess the patient for current signs of intoxication or withdrawal from opioids or other drugs as well as for the risk of severe withdrawal. The risk of severe opioid withdrawal is not a contraindication to buprenorphine treatment. The risk of withdrawal from sedativeâhypnotics, however, may initially preclude the use of buprenorphine in an office setting. Is the patient interested in buprenorphine treatment? If a patient with opioid addiction has not heard of or presented specifically for buprenorphine treatment, buprenorphine treatment should be discussed as a treatment option. Does the patient understand the risks and benefits of buprenorphine treatment? (Refer to chapter 2 and appendix H.) It should be assumed that many patients are unaware that buprenorphine is an opioid, thus they should be so informed. The risks and benefits of buprenorphine treatment should be presented to potential patients, and their understanding of these factors evaluated. Physicians mu
