Medications and devices can be used to control withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and treat related conditions.Withdrawal. Drugs and devices can help control withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. Detoxification is not a “treatment” per se, but only the first step in the process. Patients who do not receive further treatment after detoxification often return to drug use. In a survey of treatment facilities, Addiction treatment center in Lahore were used in nearly 80 percent of detoxifications (SAMHSA, 2014).In November 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated a new indication for the use of the NSS-2 Bridge electronic stimulation device to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. The device is worn behind the ear and stimulates specific nerves in the brain by sending electrical impulses. In May 2018, the FDA also approved Lofexidine, a non-opioid drug intended to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms.
treat opioid addiction
Relapse prevention. Patients take the drug to restore normal brain function and reduce cravings. Drugs are also available to treat opioid addiction (heroin, prescription painkillers), tobacco (nicotine) addiction and alcoholism. Scientists are also developing other drugs to treat addiction to methamphetamine (cocaine, methamphetamine) and cannabis (marijuana). People who use more than one drug (which is very common) need treatment for all the drugs they use.
Opioids: methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®), buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Subutex®, Probuphine®, Sublocade™) and naltrexone (Vivitrol®) are used to treat opioid addiction. Methadone and buprenorphine act on the same brain targets as heroin and morphine to reduce withdrawal symptoms and blunt cravings. Naltrexone blocks the action of opioids on brain receptors and should be used only in detoxified patients. All medications help reduce the patient’s craving and associated offending behavior, making behavioral therapy more acceptable. The NIDA study found that both the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone and extended-release naltrexone are equally effective in treating opioid dependence once started. The need for complete detoxification for naloxone treatment makes it difficult to initiate treatment in active users, but once detoxification is completed, both drugs are equally effective.
Tobacco: nicotine replacement therapy comes in several forms, including patches, sprays, chewing gum, and lozenges. These medications can be purchased without a prescription. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two prescription drugs for the treatment of nicotine addiction: ibuprofen (Zyban®) and varenicline (Chantix®). They have different effects on the brain, but both help prevent relapse in people trying to quit smoking. The drugs are most effective when used in combination with behavioral therapies such as group or individual therapy or smoking cessation.
treatment of alcohol dependence
Alcohol: three drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of alcohol dependence, and a fourth drug, topiramate, has also shown positive results in clinical trials (large human studies). The three approved drugs are.
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors involved in alcohol reward and craving. It reduces relapse of severe alcohol dependence and is very effective in some patients. Genetic differences may affect the drug’s effectiveness in some patients.
Acamprosate (Campral®) can reduce long-term withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness and anxiety disorders (general feeling of malaise and unhappiness). It may be most effective in patients with severe dependence.
Disulfiram (Antabuse®) interferes with the breakdown of alcohol. Acetaldehyde accumulates in the body, and consumption can cause unpleasant reactions such as hyperemia (heat and redness of the face), nausea and irregular heartbeat. Adherence (taking medication as prescribed) can be problematic, but can be helpful for patients who have a strong desire to stop drinking.
Complications: there are other Addiction treatment center in Lahore For psychiatric conditions that can lead to addiction, such as depression and anxiety.
