Medications, including buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex), methadone, and extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol), are effective for the treatment of opioid use disorders.
Buprenorphine and methadone are “essential medicines” according to the World Health Organization.
A NIDA study shows that once treatment is initiated, a buprenorphine/naloxone combination and an extended-release naltrexone formulation are similarly effective in treating opioid use disorder.
Medications should be combined with psychotherapy for the effective treatment of opioid-related disorders. Individual psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, support groups (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous), and social skills training may all prove effective for specific patients. Family therapy is usually indicated when the patient lives with family members.
Mental Health Library Sources:
Information included in all topics of the Mental Health Library comes from the Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria From DSM-5 and Kaplan & Sadock’s Concise Textbook of Clinical Psychiatry. Complete diagnostic and treatment information may be found within these publications.
Disclaimer:
Information within the Mental Health Library is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis purposes. Rather, it is provided as a public educational service to make people aware of mental health conditions. Please consult a qualified mental health professional for a diagnosis of any suspected mental health illness.
Check Other Mental Health Conditions
