The Opioid Crisis and Current Treatment

Abstract

The opioid crisis is a worldwide phenomenon that has devastating effects on individuals and their families. It has been a growing problem with high costs to society in the US. The physical dependence on opioids results in withdrawal symptoms when the individual stops taking the drugs. The most used opioids are prescription drugs like hydrocodone and oxycodone combinations. Now that the medical community is cutting back on prescription narcotics, the addicted patients are turning more to readily available alternatives such as heroin and fentanyl. The fear of withdrawal symptoms and craving for the drugs keep the patients on a continuous search for more opioids. Options for opioid addiction now exist. Substitution therapy started with methadone. We now have a better alternative in the drug buprenorphine. It is available in several forms. The patient at home can use it daily to prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Any licensed physician can prescribe buprenorphine if they get an X-Waiver. This is a free, easy-to-obtain addition to one’s DEA license. Buprenorphine is the current future of opiate addiction treatment. In concert with other supportive measures such as counseling, buprenorphine can help patients return to an opiate-free, more normal, and productive life.