When a person is addicted to opioids, it means that they have developed a dependence on the drug and cannot stop using it without help. Opioid addiction is a serious problem and many people struggle with it every day. The good news is that there are medications available that can help people overcome their dependence on opioids and get their lives back on track, suggests Nihar Gala.
The popular medicines:
● One of the most commonly used medications for opioid dependence is methadone. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is similar to heroin but does not produce the same high. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as heroin, but it does not produce the same euphoric effect.
● Instead, it prevents withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings for opioids. Methadone is typically given in a clinic setting, and people who take it must be carefully monitored to ensure that they are taking the proper dose.
● Another medication that is commonly used to treat opioid addiction is buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means that it produces some of the same effects as opioids but not as strong of an effect. It is typically taken as a pill or filmstrip that dissolves under the tongue. Buprenorphine can be taken at home, and people who take it do not need to be monitored as closely as those who take methadone.
● Naltrexone is another medication that can be used to treat opioid addiction. Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain. It comes in both pill form and as an injection, and it must be taken every day in order to be effective.
Endnote:
Medications are just one part of treating opioid addiction. In order to be successful in recovery, people must also participate in counseling and other types of treatment. However, medications can play an important role in helping people overcome their dependence on opioids and get their lives back on track.
