If you are worried about buprenorphine use in Scotland, Recovery Scotland can help you understand treatment options and referral routes.
Recovery Scotland is an information and referral support service. We do not provide treatment directly or operate a rehab centre. Where appropriate, we can help connect people with suitable treatment providers.
What Is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is an opioid medication that may be prescribed for pain or used as part of opioid dependence treatment under medical supervision. It can help some people manage opioid withdrawal or reduce harm, but it can also cause dependence if misused or taken outside prescribing guidance.
If buprenorphine has been prescribed to you, do not stop or change your dose without medical advice.
Is Buprenorphine Addictive?
Buprenorphine can cause tolerance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Risk may increase if it is taken in higher doses than prescribed, used with alcohol or other drugs, or obtained from non-prescribed sources.
Some buprenorphine medicines are combined with naloxone to reduce misuse risk. A prescriber or treatment provider should explain how the medication works and what risks apply.
What Are The Side Effects Of Buprenorphine?
Possible side effects may include sleep problems, drowsiness, breathing problems, confusion, headaches, fever or chills, back pain, blurred vision, vomiting or nausea.
Seek urgent medical help if there is breathing difficulty, overdose risk, severe confusion or immediate danger. Combining buprenorphine with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedating substances can increase risk.
The Buprenorphine Detox Process
Buprenorphine detox or dose reduction should be assessed and managed by an appropriately qualified professional. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable and may need careful planning, especially where other opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines or mental health concerns are involved.
A provider should explain whether detox is appropriate, what monitoring is needed and what support is available before, during and after detox.
Treatments And Therapies For Buprenorphine Addiction
Treatment options may include GP support, NHS or community drug services, medication review, outpatient support, residential rehab providers, therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare.
A suitable provider should assess substance use, health, mental health, withdrawal risk and support needs before recommending a treatment pathway.
Facts About Buprenorphine
- Buprenorphine should only be taken as prescribed.
- It is commonly taken under the tongue, depending on the medicine prescribed.
- Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so changes should be discussed with a prescriber or treatment provider.
- Overdose risk can increase when buprenorphine is combined with alcohol or other sedating substances.
Finding Buprenorphine Addiction Treatment
If you or someone close to you is struggling with buprenorphine use, Recovery Scotland can offer confidential guidance and referral support. We can help you explore treatment pathways and, where appropriate, connect with suitable treatment providers.
Any clinical assessment, medication plan, detox support or admission decision is made by the provider or an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: June 17, 2026
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.
Dr Stacey Vettraino (General Practitioner)
- Clinical Reviewer
- Last reviewed: October 20, 2023
Dr Stacey Vettraino has been a GP for over 15 years and has been involved in GP management for 7 of these. Over the last few years, Dr Vettraino has worked towards a portfolio career, working as a GP in various parts of Scotland and within the private sector – including Bupa as a private GP, Health Assessments, and Menopause Clinics. She has had a longstanding interest in psychiatry and has previously held a post in Old Age Psychiatry post-GP training focusing on dementia. Her interest in addictions has steadily grown from work as a GP and Dr Vettraino is now excited and privileged to be part of addiction treatment.