October 26, 2005 -- SAMHSA Cites Treatments for Growing Opioid Addiction

Addiction to a class of drugs known as opioids—primarily opium, morphine, heroin, and some prescription painkillers—has increased in adolescents and young adults, and the illness is difficult to treat or cure, according to a comprehensive protocol on medication-assisted treatment for the addictions published this week by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The protocol, number 43 in a series produced by SAMHSA, describes the history of opioids and the various approaches that have been used over the years to treat persons who become addicted to them; and it gives special attention to what are currently regarded as best practices, which generally involve use of the medications methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrenoxe, along with supportive counseling, mental health, and other services. Detoxification is not enough to correct opioid addiction, SAMHSA points out; successful therapy usually requires treatment for months or years. The Treatment Improvement Protocol, TIP 43, is intended to give treatment providers, physicians, and other medical personnel the latest information on medication-assisted treatment for people addicted to opioids, but it is may also be useful to counselors, nurses, and others who want to understand the nature of opioid addiction. TIP 43 can be ordered via website http://ncadi.samhsa.gov.