Opioids are a class of drugs that depress the central nervous system and provide pain relief. Some opioids are available for prescription to manage pain, like hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and more. There are also illegal opioids like heroin.
Unfortunately, both prescription and illegal opioids can lead to a substance use disorder. Opioid addiction continues to affect millions of Americans each day. When you are addicted to opioids, you have a high risk of experiencing a life-threatening opioid overdose.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), opioids were responsible for 81,806 overdose deaths in the United States in 2022.[1]
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to recover from opioid addiction and prevent yourself from experiencing an overdose. Many drug rehab centers use FDA-approved medications to make withdrawal more comfortable and lessen your chances of experiencing a relapse.
In this article, you will learn:
- How medications help manage opioid use disorder (OUD)
- Which medications are used to treat opioid addiction
- How each medication helps the opioid recovery process
Why are Medications Used to Treat Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioid addiction treatment involves detox, individual behavioral therapy, and group counseling. However, relapse rates are very high in people struggling with opioid addiction, and it can be difficult to maintain recovery.
Because relapses are so common, many treatment programs use medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This approach combines traditional treatment methods with the use of FDA-approved medications. The medications can make withdrawal symptoms more comfortable and safe while reducing the risk of relapsing.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the benefits of MAT for opioid use disorder include:[2]
- Improved patient survival
- Increased retention and ability to learn recovery techniques in treatment
- Decreased illicit opioid use and a reduction in other criminal activity
- Increased ability to gain and maintain employment
- Improved birth outcomes among women who have opioid use disorders and are pregnant
Using medications to treat opioid addiction makes you more likely to maintain long-term sobriety. It makes it easier to manage cravings, overcome withdrawal, and remain abstinent even after you complete your treatment program.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Used in Addiction Treatment Centers
If you are addicted to opioids, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop consuming them. Many of the medications used for the treatment of opioid use disorder are intended to reduce withdrawal symptoms and make the process safer.
Additionally, medications used during MAT opioid recovery programs can lessen cravings. In other words, you will be less likely to relapse on opioids.
Medications used during an opioid treatment program include:
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. This means it slightly activates opioid receptors in the brain. As a result, it can prevent you from experiencing severe opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Sometimes, buprenorphine is used in combination with naloxone. The naloxone is added to block the euphoric effects of other opioids. It also prevents you from being able to get high on your buprenorphine.
The buprenorphine products used to treat opioid use disorder include:[3]
- Buprenorphine sublingual tablets (Subutex)
- Buprenorphine extended-release injection (Sublocade)
- Buprenorphine implants (Probuphine)
- Generic buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets
- Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual films (Suboxone)
- Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets (Zubsolv)
- Buprenorphine and naloxone buccal film (Bunavail)
Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist that fully activates your opioid receptors. It can also block the effects of other opioids like heroin, oxycodone, and more.[4] It is used in medication-assisted treatment programs to lessen withdrawal symptoms, prevent cravings, and reduce the likelihood of relapses.
Lucemyra (Lofexidine)
Lucemyra is the first FDA-approved medication to treat opioid use disorder that is not an opioid. Addiction treatment programs use it to treat certain withdrawal symptoms. Because it isn’t an opioid, it is often used among patients who have previously abused their MAT medications.
Lofexidine can reduce the following opioid withdrawal symptoms:[5]
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body aches or pains
- Stomach cramps or diarrhea
- Muscle spasms
- Insomnia
- Chills and sweating
- Runny nose, teary eyes, and yawning
Clonidine
Clonidine is often used to treat opioid withdrawal during medical detox. It is usually used as a blood pressure medication. However, it has been found effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, agitation, sweating, aches, and elevated blood pressure.[6]
Because it is not an opioid, it is a great option for individuals who have suffered from methadone abuse. In these cases, MAT medications cannot be used to treat withdrawal, making clonidine a great option.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone works differently than medications like methadone or buprenorphine. Instead of treating withdrawal symptoms, this medication is useful for preventing relapses. To explain, naltrexone blocks the effects of other opioids, preventing you from being able to get high.[7]
There are two options for naltrexone treatment. You can either use a pill that is taken once a day (Revia) or an intramuscular shot that is administered once a month (Vivitrol).
Find Help for Opioid Abuse and Addiction
Opioid addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that requires professional treatment and long-term maintenance. If you are suffering from an opioid use disorder, you should consider attending a medication-assisted treatment program.
At Archstone Behavioral Health, we believe in evidence-based treatment of opioid abuse. In other words, you will receive behavioral therapy, MAT, and relapse prevention planning.
Contact us today for more information on how we can help you recover from opioid addiction.
References:
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Drug Overdose Death Rates
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Medications for Substance Use Disorders and Other Health Conditions
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Buprenorphine
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences: What is Methadone
- The American Family Physician (AAFP): Lofexidine (Lucemyra) for Treatment of Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
- JAMA Network: Opiate Withdrawal Using Clonidine- A Safe, Effective, and Rapid Nonopiate Treatment
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): What is Naltrexone
