Maryland is one of the foremost states in the use of buprenorphine for treating opioid addiction within the state, especially that of heroin. Buprenorphine is an opioid itself. When it is taken during a heroin addiction, the presence of another opioid seriously impairs the craving for heroin.

At such a point, the person can stop the consumption of heroin because the urges begin to wane. However, heroin, being a highly addictive drug, will cause withdrawal symptoms and these need to be answered. For that reason, most buprenorphine treatments for heroin and other forms of drug addiction in Maryland is done on an inpatient basis.The use of buprenorphine does not extend just to the heroin addiction in Maryland, but it is also used quite significantly in the treatment of other drug issues. It is used, for example, in the treatment of prescription drug addiction caused due to OxyContin, Vicodin, Demerol and several other such opioid drugs. However, since buprenorphine treatment is always associated with withdrawal symptoms, it is mandatory in Maryland to have such a treatment done only through a qualified health expert.

The use of buprenorphine in treating drug addiction in Maryland began on a large scale after the drug was approved nationwide by the FDA in October 2002. Today, buprenorphine is used in the inpatient as well as an outpatient format in Maryland. If it is used on an outpatient basis, then it is supplemented by other forms of treatment to keep up with the physical and the mental issues that may arise in during the treatment process.