Treatment of addiction

Two opioids are used in the treatment and management of opiate dependence levomethadyl and methadone. Levomethadyl is given in an opiate dependency clinic to maintain control over the delivery of the drug. Because of its potential for serious and life-threatening proarrhythmic effects, levomethadyl is reserved for use in the treatment of addicted patients who have no response to other treatments. Levomethadyl is not taken daily the drug is administered three times a week (Monday/Wednesday/Thursday or Tuesday/Thursday/ Saturday). Daily use of the usual dose will cause serious overdose. 

Naltrexone (Trexan) is the only opioid antagonist currently in use for treatment of addiction. Naloxone is used to treat opioid overdose and to test for opioid addiction but has a short half-life and is relatively ineffective orally cyclazocine s dysphoric side effects make it unacceptable (Resnick et al. 1980). Patients who are likely to continue to use naltrexone and to benefit from treatment are those who have established careers (e.g., health professionals) and family support and are well motivated. Up to 70% of such clients are abstinent at 1-year follow-up (Washton et al. 1984). Programs that utili2e additional rehabilitative services have better results than those that provide minimal services. Successful treatment is also associated with taking naltrexone... 

Ibrahim RB, Wilson JG, Thorsby ME, et al Effect of buprenorphine on CYP3Aactivity in rat and human liver microsomes. Life Sci 66 1293—1298, 2000 Iguchi MY, Handelsman L, Bickel WK, et al Benzodiazepine and sedative use/abuse by methadone maintenance clients. Drug Alcohol Depend 32 257—266, 1993 Isbell H Manifestations and treatment of addiction to narcotic drugs and barbiturates. Med Clin North Am 34 423 38, 1950... 

Traditional psychodynamic therapy in the treatment of addiction often fails however, the principles of psychodynamic therapy are still valuable and important for a clinician in order to understand the patient and help him or her work through his or her mechanisms of defense, attachment difficulties, processing grief, and coping with internal and external drives.32 Among the validated and thoroughly studied approaches are the following ... 

Wise RA (1988). The neurobiology of craving Implications for the understanding and treatment of addiction. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 97, 118-132. 

Marlatt, G. A. (1985). Relapse prevention Theoretical rationale and overview of the model. In G. A. Marlatt J. R. Gordon (Eds.), Relapse prevention Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors (pp. 3-70). New York Guilford Press. 

O Brien CP (2003) Research advances in the understanding and treatment of addiction. Am J Addict 12(Suppl 2) S36 7... 

There are not currently any medications that have been approved for treatment of MDMA addiction. In actuality, very few drugs of abuse have possible medical (pharmaceutical) treatments. Heroin addiction is one disease that is treatable by pharmaceutical means. Heroin addiction is often treated with methadone or levo-alpha-acetyl methadol (LAAM) administration. Similarly, alcohol addiction may be treated with pharmacological tools. However, most stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamine, and MDMA, do not have medications available for treatment of addiction. 

There are many places that people who have a problem with drug addiction can go for help. Clinics for treatment of addiction exist in most, if not all, cities. While these clinics are helpful... 

Marlatt GA Gordon JR (eds.) (1985). Relapse Prevention Maintenance Strategies in the Treatment of Addictive Behaviours. New York Guilford Press... 

Sovereign, R.G. and Miller, W.R. (1987) Effects of therapist style on resistance and outcome among problem drinkers. Paper presented at the International Conference on the Treatment of Addictive Behaviours (ICTAB), Bergen, Norway. 

The biggest challenge is the treatment of addiction itself. Several approaches have been proposed, but all remain experimental. One approach is to pharmacologically reduce cravings. The P-opioid receptor antagonist and partial agonist naltrexone is FDA-approved for this indication in opioid and alcohol addiction. Its effect is modest and may involve a modulation of endogenous opioid systems. 

Treatment of addiction to prescription stimulants is based on behavioral therapies proven effective for treating cocaine or methamphetamine addiction. At this time, there are no proven medications for the treatment of stimulant... 

O Brien, Charles P., and A. Thomas McLellan. 1998. "Myths About the Treatment of Addiction." In Principles cf Addiction Medicine, edited by A. W. Graham, T. K. Schultz, and . B. Wilford. Chevy Chase, Md. American Society of Addiction Medicine. 

Hypnosis has been successful in affecting permanent change in desires, in the effectiveness of stimuli, in the treatment of addictions and phobias and in what one forgets or is reminded of. 

Some patients may have to take the drug long-term to control their illness, and in some cases the illness will return after the medication is discontinued. However, the antidepressants have not been found to be addicting themselves. Actually, they may be useful in the treatment of patients undergoing treatment of addiction who are also depressed. Research shows that these patients may need specific antidepressants considering their state of addiction and depression. 

With these difficulties in mind, drug treatment programs do surprisingly well at keeping people on the road to recovery. The NIDA says the treatment of addiction is as successful in 2002 as the treatment of other chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. 

Since the passage of the Harrison Narcotic Act in 1914 by the U.S. Congress, the federal government has been involved in the control of narcotics and the treatment of addicts. In terms of treatment of narcotic addicts, the federal government opened facilities in Lexington, Kentucky, and Fort Worth, Texas, between 1936 and 1939 to help deal with the rising number of opiate addicts in the United States. 

Racemic methadone (13) continues to be used as a maintenance drug in the treatment of addiction to heroin (14).13 Methadone has also been used in treating severe pain.14 The value in using oral racemic methadone is that it also helps to combat the spread of human immunodeficiency virus by reducing injection of heroin.13 Under medical supervision, the addict can lead a more stable life, but there is a temptation to remain on racemic methadone to avoid the withdrawal symptoms known as cold turkey.13 The illegal use of methadone taken together with other drugs such as benzodiazepines... 

Is there a role for herbal medicine in the treatment of addiction ... 

Chodse AH, Szendrey K, Schifano F and Carver S (2006) Report to the Home Office by the International Expert Group on Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Addictions. The International Centre for Drug Policy (ICDP), St George s, University of London. 

Chlorophenylpyridomorphinan derivatives, (I), effective as k opioid receptor antagonists were prepared by the author (1) in an earlier investigation and used in the treatment of heroin or cocaine addictions. l-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, (II), prepared by Lippa (2) was effective as a dopamine-reuptake inhibitor and was used in the treatment of addiction disorders. 

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