Opioid agonist therapy is a treatment in which prescribed opioid agonists are given to patients living with opioid use disorder. In the case of methadone maintenance treatment, methadone is used to treat dependence on heroin or other opioids, administered on an ongoing basis. Benefits of the treatment include a roughly fifty percent reduction in mortality among people with opioid use disorder, decreased substance use, improvements in social functioning, increased retention in rehabilitative programs, a more manageable withdrawal experience, cognitive improvement and lower HIV transmission, with the length of treatment varying from one individual to another based on their physiology, environment and quality of life.
Facts
FAQs
Which medicines are used to treat opioid use disorder?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse names methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone.
The US National Institute on Drug Abuse says there are effective, FDA-approved medications that can help people stop or reduce opioid use, including methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone.
Connections
Associated With
Treats
Opioid agonist therapy (e.g. methadone/buprenorphine class) is standard evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Opioid agonist therapy (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid_agonist_therapy, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid_agonist_therapy, lead section
Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is a treatment in which prescribed opioid agonists are given to patients who live with opioid use disorder (OUD).
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.