Opioid Addiction Research Paper

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Zeljka Cvorig Professor Bernard English 255 Mar 10, 2013 Treatments for painkiller addiction Painkiller addiction is a complicating illness that is described as, an intense uncontrollable craving for these prescription drugs, along with compulsive drug seeking and use that persist even in the face of devastating consequences. In most cases, pain killer addiction starts with treatment for actual physical pain a person is experiencing. While many people who become addicted to prescription medications such as, painkillers, are provided actual prescriptions by doctors, others, receive medications through people they know. Recognition of the problem by the addicted person is primary, and the desire for change and treatment. Drug therapy…show more content…
Stabilization is when other drugs are used to substitute the Opioids. Furthermore, these substitutes help eliminate the feeling and craving for the opioids the patient is addicted to. These substitutes include Methadone, Buprenorphine. According to Clearview treatments , Methadone can stop the cravings for opiates for up to 24 hours, by binding the opioid receptors in your brain(1). A newer prescription drug used, “Buprenorphine, though not as efficient as methadone, also blocks opioid receptors in the brain, but does not produce a state of euphoria to the extent that methadone does” (Clearview treatments 1). In the detoxification stage the elimination of the effects of the opioids is done in an effective manner by using these substitutes, so that the withdrawal symptoms are minimized. “Buprenorphine and Methadone are recommended as frontline treatments in opioid detoxification” (Treatment for Opioid Dependence…show more content…
Group therapy is generally preferred over individual therapy because in group therapy a person has the support of other peers (“Counselling and addiction” 1). In group therapy they share stories and really help and understand each other. Twelve –step programs like narcotics Anonymous are the most well-known group therapy organizations. None the less, “individual therapy is useful when the patient has a diagnosis of depression, bipolar, or other mental health conditions that need specific treatment separate from opioid addiction.” (“Counselling and
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