Is using medications to treat opiate dependence simply replacing one addiction with another?
As used in opioid dependence treatment, buprenorphine and methadone are not heroin substitutes, nor is naltrexone. Their pharmacologic effects differ substantially those of heroin. Buprenorphine and methadone reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal, making the person more amenable to receiving related help for his or her addiction. Although buprenorphine and methadone are pharmacologically different from one another, both are long-acting medications. Both are recognized by the FDA and the National Institute of Drug Abuse as effective medications to treat opioid dependence when combined with appropriate counseling and psycho-social treatment. Methadone for treatment of opiate dependence is available only in Federally regulated and certified programs approved by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Buprenorphine can be prescribed only by physicians who complete appropriate training and receive a waiver from the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and a DEA X number from the DEA.
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