Opioid addiction is one of the most dangerous and challenging to recover from. The withdrawal symptoms wreak havoc on the person with addiction, making it difficult for them to complete the detoxification process.
As someone in the situation, you’re likely worried about how the treatment will work for you. The good news is that one of the treatment strategies involves giving patients opioid medications in controlled dosages. These are prescription medications; doctors assign small quantities to help patients taper off their addiction.
The idea is to support the withdrawal process, making it more bearable and manageable.
Common Opioid Medications Used in Treatments
Several researchers have warned against using opioids during treatment, which is why doctors are strict about the quantity. They are also careful with drug selection. Following are the top medicines used for opioid addiction treatment:
1. Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a prescription drug commonly used to treat heroin abuse cases. Taking controlled dosages can alleviate the withdrawal symptoms during the first phase of opioid addiction treatment and allow patients to get accustomed to the lack of the substance in their bodies.
It is thankfully mild and doesn’t pose threats of overdose.
2. Methadone
Methadone is another drug often used during opioid addiction treatment because it eases muscle soreness, shaking, and shivering. It is a substitute for treating heroin addictions and relieves some withdrawal symptoms patients undergo.
However, its usage requires careful monitoring as it is equally capable of creating addiction. Hence, the treatment will also need time to taper you off this medication after your heroin dependency finishes.
3. Naltrexone
Naltrexone is another medication that facilitates opioid addiction treatment by suppressing withdrawal symptoms. It is FDA approved and one of the best options because it isn’t an opioid. Hence, patients are unlikely to develop an addiction to it during recovery, making it easier to assign.
However, this medicine is unsuitable for people under 18 and still requires monitored dosage despite not having addictive properties.
Your psychiatrist at the rehab facility will consider your case and medical history before determining which opioid medications are suitable for you.
