Apps are pretty much everywhere these days, whether people like it or not. Not everyone is going to be into using them, but soon enough, there may be one to help transition off of Suboxone. The new app, called ‘OffBup,’ is still in design stages, but it is meant to help people who are tapering off buprenorphine (Suboxone) get tools to help stop the use of it and prevent relapse. The jury is still out as to whether it can work or not but perhaps each person who experiences it can be the judge of whether or not it may be a good idea.
Treatment and Follow Up
Roughly 1.5 million Americans seek treatment each year for an opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is a go-to source for a large portion of people and many are prescribed buprenorphine. Eventually, people want to taper down and stop taking it altogether because it can be highly addictive. Although effective for its use, treatment needs to end at some point and there may be side effects to long term use. Getting off buprenorphine, whether with an app or not, should be part of any treatment protocol and follow up. An app may be a great resource for people who are patients in need of resources for tapering, but can be harder for those who struggle with active addiction and may need more support to quit.
Filling Gaps
When a person tapers off or detoxes from any drug, including buprenorphine, that person may suffer withdrawal symptoms including vomiting, nausea, or flu-like symptoms. The psychological withdrawal is often more challenging than physical discomforts. Resources for managing buprenorphine discontinuation are few and far between. The creators of apps like ‘OffBup,’ and others, hope to fill the gap with apps like these. It can help to navigate challenging side effects with a range of support tools, including:
- Education
- Self-monitoring
- Timeline of withdrawal symptoms
- Q&A section
- Audio and video elements accessed on demand
- Guided meditation
- Relaxation exercises
There are many benefits to be had from an app like this one, but it truly depends on the person who is utilizing it for tapering off the drug. Some people are likely to receive benefits from it and taper off successfully, while others may struggle or have some addiction issues that pop up along the journey of using the drug. Anytime a person tapers off a drug, they should be monitored closely by a treating physician who can assist in the journey to make sure it is done safely.
Serenity Oaks provides an intensive 5 week program to support your sobriety and recovery from addiction. Our team will support detox and tapering off drugs and help if you are struggling with tolerance or addiction issues. Our therapeutic and medical support are just one of the tools we provide to help set you up for success in recovery. Call us to find out how we can help you get started: 844-720-6847.
