Cannabis has no clear effect on treatment of opioid addiction, study finds
This article explores the available treatments and discusses which opioid addiction treatments are most effective. A multifaceted approach that combines therapy, medication, and social support can be the most beneficial in many cases. The findings have substantial implications for U.S treatment programs, some of which still require patients to abstain from cannabis before they qualify for potentially life-saving treatment. This is based on the belief they are more likely to use opioids non-medically if they are using cannabis. The new guidance will also give more responsibility to pharmacies to provide drug addicts with medicines like methadone and buprenorphine, which are used to help wean people off heroin and other drugs they are addicted to by reducing withdrawal symptoms.
- Because people find that opioids are no longer reinforcing, they may be less likely to use them.
- An SUD is a treatable, chronic disease, characterized by a problematic pattern of use of a substance leading to noticeable impairment or distress.
- The patient from New York whom the study team worked with first previously had 15 overdoses.
- Terrell Pollard has worked with Henrico Too Smart 2 Start for 5 years, and he says Wednesday’s Youth Opioid Awareness Townhall will feature of panel of prominent former athletes, current athletes, coaches, mental health professionals, and medical professionals.
- To date, more than one million Americans have died as a result of an opioid overdose since 1999.
- The film may be placed against the inside of your cheek or under the tongue.
Even after you’ve completed initial treatment, ongoing treatment and support can help prevent a relapse. Follow-up care can include periodic appointments with your counselor, continuing in a self-help program or attending a regular group session. The content published in Cureus is the result of clinical experience and/or research by independent individuals or organizations. Cureus is not responsible for the scientific accuracy or reliability of data or conclusions published herein. All content published within Cureus is intended only for educational, research and reference purposes.
What causes addiction to opioids?
Similar to buprenorphine, methadone too has been shown to be extremely effective from a clinical standpoint. A review article showed that data from clinical trials suggest that taking high doses of methadone (80-120mg) in patients who were once addicted to heroin, had up to an 80% success rate (endpoints based on social reintegration/productively and job reemployment) [21]. Furthermore, the cost of treatment, including biopsychosocial social services, is not too steep. Compared with a placebo, both buprenorphine alone and buprenorphine in combination with naloxone administered in office-based treatment settings significantly reduce opioid use and opioid cravings (Fudala et al., 2003).
Harm reduction saves the lives of people who may otherwise die of blood-borne infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis, and overdose. It also helps connect people with professionals, resources, and information to help them once they seek treatment and stop using opioids. Harm reduction is an approach to helping people with opioid use disorder and is often one of the first interventions tried. Therefore, these treatments should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that is consistently followed before, during, and after the person quits opioids. Costa, under the mentorship of Dr. Joao P. De Aquino, of Yale University, and colleagues, carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research on the influence of cannabis on non-medical opioid use.
A 360-Degree Approach to Addiction
They pointed out that while pain remains the most common reason for medical cannabis authorization, an increasing number of states are adding “alternatives to opioids” or “opioid-treatable disorders” to their lists of approved conditions. People use a number of terms to describe problems with opioids, including addiction, dependence, tolerance, abuse, and use disorders. Understanding the differences may help you or a loved one get help and avoid life-threatening health problems or risk of overdose. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) places additional controls over certain substances due to their potential for addiction and misuse. The agency classes many prescription opioids as Schedule 2 drugs, meaning they have a high potential for abuse.
Buprenorphine partly mimics the action of opioids to reduce drug cravings and minimize withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone prevents misuse of the drug. When it comes to opioid addiction treatment, choosing the right program that aligns with an individual’s needs is crucial. At Insight Northwest Recovery, there are tailored outpatient programs designed to provide comprehensive support for those battling opioid addiction without the need for residential stay. Understanding the deep-seated connection between opioid abuse and mental health is the first step towards recovery. By addressing both issues head-on and seeking comprehensive care, individuals can pave the way for a healthier, brighter future.
Final thoughts on comprehensive addiction treatment
The goal of detoxification, also called “detox” or withdrawal therapy, is to enable you to stop taking the addicting drug as quickly and safely as possible. For some people, it may be safe to undergo withdrawal therapy on an outpatient basis. Others may need admission to a hospital or a residential treatment center. “FDA approves first buprenorphine implant for treatment of opioid dependence.” Geographical locations have also had an impact on the number of overdoses. It comes as no surprise that among those with the lowest number of opioid overdoses come in large and fringe metropolitan areas [9].
Blood, urine or other lab tests are used to assess drug use, but they’re not a diagnostic test for addiction. However, these tests may be used for monitoring treatment and recovery. In spite of the extensive evidence supporting the use of medications to treat OUD, there remain major gaps in knowledge about which medication works best and for whom as well as how the medications compare over the long term. Additionally, as with all medical disorders, there is a need to expand the OUD treatment toolkit to help individuals who do not respond well to the current options. Treatment retention with agonist medications is dose related, with meta-analyses indicating that methadone doses must exceed 60 mg and that smaller doses may be no better than placebo (Bao et al., 2009; Faggiano et al., 2003). Buprenorphine dosing at 12–16 mg increases treatment retention (Bart, 2012), and higher doses result in better outcomes (Hser et al., 2014).
Preventing Opioid Use Disorder
At this stage, the drugs disrupt the signals in your brain that control your judgement and decision-making skills. When this happens, it’s hard to control the impulse to use opioids even though you may know it would be best for you to stop. Because the symptoms can be severe, you’ll want to take opioids to allow your body to release the endorphins that make you feel good again. At this stage, you’re no longer taking the opioids to feel “high” but just to keep your body from going through withdrawal symptoms. However, people do not always use opioids as a doctor prescribes or for medicinal purposes.
Some prescription opioids tend to take effect quickly and are highly potent. In a 17-week trial comparing buprenorphine/naloxone to placebo followed by a detoxification period, those receiving the medication experienced less overall opioid use and were more likely to continue rehabilitation therapy. Participants taking buprenorphine/naloxone used opioids significantly less than those taking a placebo, based on the results of urine screening tests opioid addiction treatment throughout the trial. Additionally, certain other medications interact with Suboxone; talk with a healthcare professional about all other medications you take, as some may interfere with Suboxone. Regardless of the form you take, be sure to follow the exact directions from your healthcare provider. In this way, the combination of buprenorphine/naloxone films and tablets discourages abuse of the medication while promoting safe, effective use.
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