What is the X Waiver Requirement?
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The X-Waiver is a special certification granted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for medical practitioners who prescribe and dispense controlled substances, in particular the opioid-blocking drug Naltrexone and its complementary opioid, Buprenorphine. It was once an important certification for medical professionals who want to provide comprehensive care for their patients who are undergoing withdrawal from opiates.
Keep reading to learn more about the X waiver requirement, and how its lifting may help to overcome the opioid epidemic currency ravaging the United States.
X-Waiver Training and Abolishment
The X-Waiver was a way for the DEA to ensure that medical professionals are knowledgeable and properly trained in the handling and dispensing of controlled substances. The DEA required X-Waiver holders to have completed additional training requirements and education, as well as pass a test in the field of controlled substance prescribing and dispensing.
Once an X Waiver was obtained, the medical practitioner is allowed to prescribe and dispense Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substances. Furthermore, X Waiver holders were governed by the DEA’s strict guidelines, which include conducting regular reviews of patient records and ensuring that controlled substances are only prescribed and dispensed when medically necessary.
The X Waiver was once a valuable certification for medical professionals who wanted to help their patients struggling with opiates. It allowed them to provide a broader range of care to their patients, while also ensuring that controlled substances are being handled in a safe and responsible manner.
The waiver requirement also had the unfortunate side effect of reducing the ability of doctors to effectively help patients who needed medication-assisted treatment to overcome opioids, particularly in rural areas where access has been traditionally more limited.
The Elimination of the X-Waiver Requirement to Treat Opioid Use Disorder
As of November 2019, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has eliminated the X-Waiver requirement for those who wish to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD).
This is a significant step forward in the fight against the opioid crisis and will increase access to MAT across the United States. For many addiction treatment providers, this requirement was seen as a barrier to those seeking treatment and made it difficult for many physicians to provide MAT.
More recently, with a bill signed in December of 2022 that became law in January of 2023, the omnibus act passed by President Biden and the Medication Access Training (MAT) Act have completely abolished the requirement for an X Waiver and made the process as simple as taking an eight-hour course for physicians seeking to help clients with Suboxone or related medications.
The removal of the requirement will allow more physicians to provide MAT, which is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder. This can potentially save lives, as well as reduce some of the stigma associated with seeking treatment and expand access to MAT and other recovery services.
What Medications are Used for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders
Opioid use disorders are medical conditions characterized by an individual’s persistent use of opioids despite experiencing adverse consequences from substance abuse. The condition can range from mild to severe, and if left untreated, can lead to significant impairment and even death.
In recent years, opioid use disorders have become a major public health issue, with millions of Americans suffering from the disorder. Fortunately, there are several medications available to treat opioid use disorders.
Buprenorphine for Opioid Use
The first medication used to treat patients with opioid addictions is buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist, meaning it has the ability to reduce the effects of opioids. This can help manage opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms during the recovery process.
Despite being an opioid, this drug will not produce the same level of euphoria and sedation as other opioid drugs. Most treatment providers prescribing Buprenorphine will administer this medication alongside Naloxone, which can help prevent and reverse opioid overdose.
With the removal of the X-Waiver requirement, providers only require a standard DEA registration number in order to prescribe this medication in accordance with existing state laws.
Methadone for Opioid Use
Methadone is another medication commonly used to treat opioid use disorders. Methadone is a full opioid agonist, which means it is capable of producing the same level of sedation and euphoria as other opioids, but it also helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and curbs opioid cravings.
Naltrexone for Opioid Use
Naltrexone is a medication used for opioid treatment that works by blocking the effects of other opioids on the body. This medication is typically prescribed for those who have already detoxed from opioids but may be at risk of relapse. Because Naltrexone does not produce a high from using it, it is considered a safe treatment option for opioid abuse.
Suboxone for Opioid Use
Finally, Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone that is used for treating opioid abuse. Suboxone can minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms while blocking the high caused by other opioids. Suboxone is typically prescribed when other treatments have failed or when there is a high risk of relapse.
Find Facilities to Help Overcome Opiates Now!
If you are struggling with addiction, whether it be to opioids or any other substance, the Find Addiction Rehabs team is here to help you stop using and get the treatment you need. Our hotline is available 24/7 to provide you with answers to all of your recovery questions and find treatment programs nationwide that can serve all of your care needs.
Call now, and let us help you take the first step on your path to sobriety, where you can discover a happier and substance-free you, today!
Deborah Tayloe is a freelance writer specializing in health and sciences. Deborah earned a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education/English, accompanied by a Spanish minor. Her writing expertise allows her to craft engaging, impactful articles to help people be well.
In addition, she holds a fully accredited Certificate of Natural Medicine and is a certified Herbalist. Through her understanding of complementary medicine, Deborah helps medical professionals give people the information they need to embrace natural approaches to wellness.
When she’s not working, Deborah trains for 5K races and advocates for animal rights.
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As a registered nurse for over 15 years, my devotion to patient well-being extends beyond medical practice. I am a passionate advocate in the behavioral healthcare space, placing a strong emphasis on de-stigmatizing substance use and mental health disorders. I firmly believe that reliable, accurate resources are crucial, and I consistently strive to offer understanding and compassion for those seeking help and their loved ones.
My dedication to continuous learning and a spirit of collaboration have been instrumental in my professional journey. I am committed to staying current with the latest advancements in medical science and am always eager to work alongside fellow behavioral healthcare professionals at Find Addiction Rehabs.
