When you or a loved one begins using an opioid medication in a way that deviates from the instructions of a medical professional, it means that you or your loved one are abusing the substance. Although opiate drugs can be helpful when treating severe or chronic pain, it can also be dangerous when an addiction develops. A treatment approach that incorporates medication can help with the initial stages of recovery so that it is possible to start working on realistic goals for the future.
Naltreoxne
Naltreoxne is a prescription medication that is used to help reduce the impact of withdrawal symptoms and discourage continued substance abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the medication is an antagonist drug that helps prevent opiates from binding to the receptors in the brain.
Although it is primarily used to treat overdose symptoms, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that it can be used in addiction treatment as well. During addiction treatment, a medical doctor may use an injectable version of the medication to help reduce the risk of overdose and prevent the drug from binding to the receptors in the brain.
As a direct result of the medication, individuals who abused the drug can start working toward recovery goals.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is classified as a partial agonist, says the National Institute on Drug Abuse, because it helps reduce the feelings of cravings that are common in opioid addictions. The medication is usually given in a tablet form with the direction and supervision of a medical professional.
In the case of treating an addiction to opiate drugs, Buprenorphine is used to help with the initial challenges associated with withdrawals. The withdrawal symptoms that may develop when an opioid medication is discontinued include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Insomnia
- Aches in the joints and muscles
- General anxiety or depression
- Nausea
- Irritability or mood changes
Even though the symptoms are not usually life-threatening, they can be very uncomfortable or painful. The medication helps reduce the discomforts associated with detoxification and provides some relief from any cravings that may develop so that it is possible to start working on recovery.
Methadone
According to Web MD, Methadone is a long-lasting opioid drug that activates the same receptors in the brain as the medication that you or a loved one is trying to stop using. Due to the way that the medication is developed, it can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms over a long period of time.
As an individual stops using the original drug, the medication is gradually reduced until it is no longer necessary. The positive benefits associated with the medication include:
- Reducing cravings
- Eliminating withdrawal symptoms
- Long-lasting
The downside is that it is an opioid medication and some individuals may not feel comfortable with the medication as part of treatment. It can be beneficial if it is used appropriately and the individual is gradually allowed to reduce the dosage, but it may not always be the first choice of a medical professional if a medication is appropriate for the needs of the individual.
Treating an addiction can be complicated because there are so many factors that contribute to substance abuse. While the best treatments can vary between individuals, many treatment programs use medications to help reduce cravings and discomforts that are associated with opioid withdrawal symptoms. By using an appropriate medication, it is possible to start working on recovery without the discomforts of withdrawals or cravings.
Source
Treating Addiction to Prescription Opioids
Treating an Addiction to Painkillers