Medications Treat Opioid Addiction
When people with addictions seek treatment, they often go to an emergency room at a hospital. There, they’re evaluated and connected with appropriate treatment. Many general hospitals, however, don’t treat substance abuse, which is why they refer their patients to inpatient and outpatient programs for help. These programs often use medications as a key part of the treatment process, such as methadone.
These medications don’t substitute drugs, so they don’t trigger the euphoric effects of opioids. They’re meant to help people stay sober and productive that they can return to school or secure employment. Long-term recovery means leading a productive life. It’s important to understand that while most physicians in the U.S. are capable of prescribing powerful painkillers, addiction medications require special training and certification.
Most medications used to opioid addiction treatment use disorder work by activating the opioid receptors in the brain. This helps the patient avoid withdrawal symptoms, which are the cause of many of the cravings. This treatment requires daily, in-clinic prescriptions, and includes counseling and connections to a recovery community of other people with similar addictions. For those in need of more information, SAMSHA’s National Hotline is a helpful resource for treatment referrals.
How Do Medications Treat Opioid Addiction?
Two types of opioid medications are commonly prescribed to treat opioid addiction. Methadone and buprenorphine are opioids that don’t cause a high, but instead address cravings and other symptoms of withdrawal. Both medications are highly effective, though Methadone is the most widely used, and buprenorphine is more closely monitored and lower in addiction risk. Patients who take both types of medications should follow the directions carefully, or they can cause an overdose and relapse.
Medications are often used in combination with behavioral therapy and counseling to treat opioid addiction. When used in conjunction with behavioral therapy and counseling, these treatments can help the patient wean off the drugs without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. As long as the medication is prescribed appropriately, however, it’s important to note that introducing medication too early may worsen the withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, there are several options for medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, including a combination of these.
While methadone is still the main option for treatment of opioid addiction, naltrexone is a newer drug that blocks opioid receptors without activating them. It also helps patients deal with behavioral issues and other issues. Individual, group, and family counseling may also be beneficial. This can help addicts feel less alone and learn new strategies. If the treatment isn’t enough, patients can also benefit from counseling.
When withdrawal from opioids begins, it can take hours to days or weeks to clear. Depending on the opioid used and dosage, the withdrawal can be physically painful and mentally grueling. Many former users take these medications for years while they deal with the withdrawal symptoms. The medications also ease cravings and PAWS. Depending on the dosage and duration, the patient may need them for life or for a short while.