What people don't understand about drugs like buprenorphene(subutex,suboxone) and
methadone is that they are not just switching one addictive opiate to another.These drugs stop the addictive behaviour such as drug seeking,stealing,taking handfuls of opiates ect.
Once a patient is stabilized then they stop all the addictive behaviour,no withdrawls and no cravings.This allows them to work on getting their lives back on track while at the same time educating themselves on their addiction.Once they and the doctor decide that they are ready to wean off the drug then a very slow taper is started.This usually takes up to a year as coming off to quickly almost always leads to relapse.
This method is the proven gold standard and is the way of the future as more and more meds are being developed with less side effects.......Dave