Substance Use Disorder
Addiction is defined as a medical condition by the American Medical Association. Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases.
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Addictive substances cause the brain to release high levels of certain chemicals which change the composition of the brain systems involved in reward, motivation, and memory. These changes can create intense cravings and result in a reliance on these substances for the person to feel normal. It is because of this that someone with a substance use disorder often continues use despite negative and harmful consequences. In some cases, the individual might even prioritize drug use over their or other's well-being.
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Opioids can lead to physical dependence faster than other substances. In fact, physical dependence can sometimes occur within four to eight weeks. The risks of opioid use are slightly higher as first-time opioid users are more likely to succumb to overdose compared to a first-time user of other substances.
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Addiction is manageable with long-term treatment coupled with monitoring and recovery support. If addiction is left unmanaged it can lead to physical and mental health disorder, relationship problems, and difficulty balancing work, school, or home. The longer addiction is left untreated the more severe, disabling, and life-threatening it becomes.
Evidence Based Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
The use of medication to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) is a proven evidence-based treatment. There are three medications approved by the FDA to treat OUD: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. The general function of these medications is to return bodily functions to normal by balancing the brain systems affected by addiction and relieving physical cravings. These medications cannot get a person high and instead can help a person reduce their non-medical or illicit opioid use.
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Most experts recommend a health care plan that combines medication, counseling, and social support to treat OUD. Medications target the physical and physiological side effects of OUD while counseling and social support drive behavior change and help the individual identify coping strategies to prevent setbacks.
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Detoxification (withdrawal method) is not recommended to treat OUD. This method can lower tolerance if opioid use is suddenly stopped and pose a greater risk of overdose if opioid use is started again. Although clonidine can be used for withdrawal management, this medication is not approved by the FDA.