Allopathic Medications Used in Drug Addiction

Allopathic medications are those used by medical doctors to treat the symptoms of diseases and conditions. There is ongoing search for drugs that can alleviate the discomfort of withdrawal from addictive substances, treat chronic pain without increasing tolerance, and substitute for narcotics when dependency is severe. Many medications have been found to help; some are effective when used short-term, others present potential for abuse and addiction, but in the end the benefits may outweigh the risks.

Antagonists

• Buprenorphine is a pain reliever, naltrexone and naloxone help defeat addictive cravings and Suboxone is a combination drug. Naltrexone and naloxone are narcotic antagonists, meaning they compete with opiates for receptor cells in the brain and cause reversal of narcotic effects. Naltrexone can be injected locally to relieve opiate-induced constipation in chronic pain patients. Buprenorphine is a synthetic opiate that is addicting, but coupled with naloxone in Suboxone offers less potential for abuse. Should addicts crush and try to inject pills, the naloxone part of the medication becomes active and users cannot get high because withdrawal kicks in simultaneously. Some reports of suicides and overdoses have been reported after treatment with Naltrexone, possibly because opiate receptor cells may become even more sensitive after use of this medication.

Substitutes

• Methadone has been used for decades to withdraw addicts from severe heroin dependence and has a history of successful maintenance therapy. It is a safer alternative to heroin in pregnancy and eliminates lifestyle risks such as needle use and crime. Methadone has a long half-life and tolerance builds slowly, which makes it useful in the treatment of chronic pain. A gradual detox from methadone may be quite comfortable, but methadone's half-life makes going cold turkey very rough and more uncomfortable than abrupt heroin withdrawal. Methadone is addictive and is frequently abused. Addicts need to have a willingness to use methadone as a step toward getting clean and sober.

Aversions

• Disulfram (Antabuse) works as aversion therapy for alcoholics because it blocks the body's ability to process alcohol. Drinking even small amounts of alcohol causes buildup of acetaldehyde which results in vomiting, headache and chest pain. Antabuse also may be a dopamine breakdown inhibitor, and is being studied for possible use as a treatment for cocaine addiction.

Detoxification

• Efforts to detox narcotics may be assisted by allopathic medications that take the edge off the severe symptoms of withdrawal. Trazadone is an antidepressant that aids sleep. Vistaril is an antihistamine that aids sleep, reduces anxiety and relieves nausea. Ibuprofen (Motrin) is an anti-inflammatory analgesic medication that relieves muscle aches. Clonidine (Catapres) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It has been found to compete with opiates for receptor cells in the brain effectively "tricking" the body and relieving withdrawal symptoms such as runny nose, anxiety, insomnia and stomach cramps. None of these medications are addictive.

Warning

• Methadone must be properly titrated by a healthcare professional to prevent respiratory depression and death from incorrect dosing.
  Use of Buprenephine, Suboxone, naloxone and naltrexone may be contraindicated in those with a history of liver disease.
  While allopathic medication may be helpful in the treatment of drug addiction, social support and information about addiction also have been shown to be effective components of lasting recovery.