Methadone and Other Medications
There is little more contentious in the world of drug treatment than methadone and other forms of replacement therapies for addiction.
Methadone and its companion medications buprenorphine (Suboxone) and naltrexone (reVia) are for opiate addicts who have used for more than one year and for whom other treatment options have not been successful. Some of these medications are also being explored for use with other drugs, including alcohol.
The purpose of these medications is to:
- Eliminate withdrawal symptoms
- Prevent or reduce cravings for opiates
- Allow normalization of the body’s function
- Prevent relapse to use of addictive drugs
Methadone
The most well-known replacement therapy for opiate dependency.
Or, click here to learn more about methadone and pregnancy.
Buprenorphine (suboxone)
Buprenorphine, also known as Suboxone, is one of the newest replacement therapies available.
Naltrexone (reVia)
A resource for both opiate dependency and alcoholism.
Other medications used in drug treatment
Drug treatment today is often supplemented by other medications to ease the discomforts of withdrawal and cravings, and increase treatment engagement.
