Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD

The Addiction Files

Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD

  • From Induction to Injection: Rethinking Buprenorphine Starts

From Induction to Injection: Rethinking Buprenorphine Starts

Tuesday 17th February 2026

Explore the evolving landscape of buprenorphine treatment with Drs. Petersen and Cook, focusing on rapid induction and higher doses for better retention.
Explicit
34 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Educational
Hopeful
Supportive

About this podcast

The Addiction Files
Author:
Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Rethinking Buprenorphine: A New Approach to Opioid Treatment

Episode Overview

  • Higher doses of buprenorphine improve treatment retention.
  • Rapid induction can be more effective than traditional methods.
  • Long-acting injectables reduce adherence burden.
  • Patient symptoms should guide dosing decisions.
  • New protocols show promise in real-world settings.
"Higher dose buprenorphine increases retention in treatment. Think 32 and 40 milligrams for people who are using fentanyl."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? This episode of 'The Addiction Files' dives into the evolving landscape of buprenorphine treatment, especially in the context of fentanyl use. Dr. Darlene Petersen and Dr. Paula Cook, both board-certified addiction medicine specialists, unravel the latest findings on buprenorphine dosing and its implications for opioid use disorder. They discuss how traditional multi-day induction methods may not be as effective as rapid, same-day initiation, particularly for patients using fentanyl.
The conversation highlights a landmark study that challenges old norms by showing that higher doses of buprenorphine can significantly improve treatment retention. Listeners will find a treasure trove of clinical pearls as the hosts explore the nuances of precipitated withdrawal and the benefits of long-acting injectable buprenorphine. The episode also touches on how these new protocols are being implemented in real-world settings, like emergency departments and low-threshold clinics, offering hope for better patient outcomes.
With a blend of expert insights and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in addiction medicine or seeking to understand the complexities of opioid use disorder treatment. As you tune in, you'll be prompted to rethink preconceived notions about opioid treatment and consider the broader implications of these groundbreaking studies. How might these new approaches change the future of addiction medicine?
Don't miss this chance to broaden your understanding and perhaps even spark a change in your own practice.
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