The FDA has approved three medications for the treatment of opioid dependence. They are as follows:
Methadone:
Methadone is an opioid agonist that relieves drug craving by acting on opioid receptors in the brain, the same receptors that opioids activate. It also relieves withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is effective for treating opioid use disorder, although there is also a risk of overdose.
Buprenorphine:
Buprenorphine is another medication approved for treating opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist, meaning there is a ceiling effect on the brain receptors. It is also less risky when discussing overdose. Since it is a partial opioid agonist, there is less concern for overdose. These are the main reasons most specialists favor Buprenorphine in combination with Naloxone, also known as Suboxone. Naloxone works as an antagonist with the sole purpose of being a deterrent. If Suboxone is injected, the individual will experience an opioid block instead of feeling the euphoric rush. Thus, decreasing the likelihood of abusing the medication.
Naltrexone:
Naltrexone binds to the opioid receptors in your brain and blocks the opioid from binding to those same receptors; this is called an antagonist. If an individual takes an opioid while they have Naltrexone in their body, in that case, the effects of the opioid will be blocked, thus preventing the drug from causing the “high.”
Naltrexone does not help prevent opioid withdrawal symptoms as Methadone and Buprenorphine do. Still, it does help to decrease cravings. It is best for those seeking to treat opioid use disorder without using another opioid.
Counseling:
Counseling with a qualified, experienced specialist helps you deal with social and personal problems you might have after abstinence from opioids. You may go through difficulties at work or home, feel depressed, and lose self-confidence. Your counseling should include Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management therapy.