One of the most commonly abused narcotics according to the American Council for Drug Education's, heroin is derived from either the opium poppy or chemical synthetics. Dependence on heroin can be a difficult to break. For this reason, certain medications may be prescribed to help patients through this process, increasing their odds of success.
Methadone
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that methadone been used to help people recover from heroin addiction for more than 30 years. Drug-Rehab.com--a site offering information and treatment information for those addicted to various substances--states that when prescribed correctly, methadone does not sedate or intoxicate heroin addicts. Its onset is gradual, and helps reduce the cravings for opioid drugs such as heroin. It also helps reduce the withdrawal effects one might experience during rehabilitation.
NIDA explains that methadone treatment is typically administered under the supervision of professionals in specialized treatment programs and is most effective when combined with other programs such as group counseling, psychological and supportive social services.
LAAM
LAAM is a synthetically produced opiate similar to methadone. It has the ability to block the effects of heroin for up to 72 hours, according to Drug Rehab, and has minimal side effects when taken in oral form.
The Food and Drug Administration approved its use for the treatment of heroin addiction in 1993, however because its effects last so long, it is only permitted to be administered three times per week. This type of dosing eliminates the necessity for daily doses, and for patients to take doses home on the weekends when in a treatment facility during the week. Due to its longer lasting effects, the Center for Substance Abuse Research states that it may be used in place of methadone, which requires daily doses.
Buprenorphine
A newer medication used to treat heroin addiction, buprenorphine, poses less of a risk for overdose than methadone, while reducing the withdrawal effects. It also has less of a risk of patients developing physical dependency, a problem associated with methadone. The Center for Substance Abuse Research states that while methadone is prescribed to prevent narcotic addiction, it is an addictive drug as well. This addiction is less likely to occur when monitored by a physician.
NIDA explains that patients taking buprenorphine compared to those taking methadone experience fewer withdrawal effects when taken off both medications at the same, gradual rate.
Beprenorphine is available as a prescription through a doctor--an option those taking methadone do not have as methadone maintenance treatment is only administered in special opiate treatment programs, according to NIDA. Because of the easy availability of buprenorphine , patients are more likely to seek treatment sooner as stated by NIDA. The drawback is that not all patients respond well to this medication.
Naltrexone
While naltrexone is approved for the treatment of heroin addiction, it is not a popular choice. It blocks heroin from binding to the receptors in the brain, which keeps users from feeling heroin's effects.
Naltrexone administration typically begins in a residential setting once the process of detoxification is complete. It is only effective once the addict's body is free from the opioid. Naltrexone usually is prescribed in an outpatient setting.
