Opiates are drugs derived from the plant opiate. Common examples of opiates are heroin, narcotic painkillers and morphine. Many people become addicted to opiates after being prescribed narcotic painkillers following an injury. Typically, opiate addictions start out small, but build after the person has built up tolerance to that drug. According to drug-rehabs.com, there are five main drugs used to help treat opiate addictions: LAAM, naloxone/naltrexone, suboxone, and methadone.
LAAM
LAAM (levo-alpha acetyl methadol), is a synthetic opiate used to treat heroin addictions, according to drug-rehabs.com. According to opiates.com, it does not cure opiate addiction, but decreases cravings and withdrawal symptoms. LAAM is to be taken only three times per week because it blocks the effects of heroin for 72 hours, according to drug-rehabs.com.
Naloxone and Naltrexone
Naloxone and naltrexone are medications that block the pleasurable effects of morphine, heroin, and other opiates, according to drug-rehabs.com. They are used especially well for highly motivated people, according to drug-rehabs.com. They last from 1 to 3 days, depending on the dose, reports drug-rehabs.com. These medications are also helpful in preventing relapses by former addicts, reports drug-rehabs.com.
Suboxone
Suboxone causes weaker opiate effects, according to drug-rehabs.com. Suboxone also produces a lower rate of physical dependence and is less likely to cause overdose problems, reports drug-rehabs.com. Individuals are able to slowly discontinue Suboxone with less withdrawal than opiates, according to drug-rehabs.com.
Methadone
Methadone has been used for over 30 years to treat opiate addiction, according to drug-rehabs.com. When prescribed properly, it does not interfere with everyday activities, reports drug-rehabs.com. For example, it has the ability to not be sedating or intoxicating, according to drug-rehabs.com. Methadone can suppress opiate withdrawal for 24 to 36 hours, which is longer than heroin lasts, reports drug-rehabs.com. It also relieves the craving associated with heroin addiction, which leads to relapse, according to drug-rehabs.com. Methadone is safe to use continuously for over 10 years, but must be carefully monitored by a physician, according to drug-rehabs.com.
