Heroin is an illicit drug that is a type of opiate, or painkiller. Once injected, smoked or sniffed, the drug binds to receptors in the body and brain, causing a number of intoxicating effects. There are three approved medications for helping those suffering from heroin addiction. These drugs may be used to treat withdrawal symptoms and cravings and block the effects of heroin and other illegal opiates.
Methadone
Methadone is a synthetic opiate medication that is used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms among those with heroin addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methadone acts slowly and provides sustained effects, while also blocking the effects of heroin or other illegal opiate drugs. It does not cause intoxication or sedation when administered properly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), methadone maintenance treatment--involving daily oral administration of methadone through a specialized treatment program--is the most effective treatment for people who are addicted to opiates such as heroin. It significantly reduces the risk of overdose, of contracting or transmitting diseases like HIV, hepatitis and other sexually-transmitted diseases, of criminal activity and of death due to overdose or other addiction-related causes. The CDC also notes that a minimum of 12 consecutive months of methadone maintenance treatment is needed for optimal benefit; however, many patients drop out early, thereby increasing their chances of relapse.
According to the Addiction Recovery Guide, a long-acting form of methadone known as Laam is also available, requiring administration once every two to three days.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002 for the treatment of heroin addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, buprenorphine is a type of opioid narcotic known as a partial agonist which, in low doses, provides relief of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Compared to methadone, there is a lower risk of overdose, and those who stop taking buprenorphine are also likely to experience fewer withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is typically administered once every other day and is more widely accessible than methadone as it is authorized for prescription and administration in physicians' offices. According to the Addiction Recovery Guide, buprenorphine may be administered alone or in a combination formulation that contains both buprenorphine and naloxone--a drug that blocks the effects of heroin and other opioids. The combination drug is commonly used for those on long-term maintenance therapy.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a drug commonly used to treat alcoholics that is also approved for the treatment of heroin addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, naltrexone prevents heroin from binding from its receptors in the body, thereby preventing any intoxicating effects in those who use the drug. It may be used to treat cases of overdose because it blocks opioid receptors. To treat heroin withdrawal, it may be prescribed only after patients have detoxified and their bodies are free from opiates. While effective, naltrexone is not widely used because many patients fail to continue taking the drug as prescribed.
