New and Old Treatments for Opioid Abuse and Dependence
Mark S. Gold, MD, Washington University
Each day more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for improper use of prescription opioids. But is naloxone saving lives or is overdose reversal nothing more than CPR? Dr. Gold spoke about the need for psychiatric assessment after a patient has been revived. Historically, treatment has stopped at abstinence or overdose treatment, but patients need ongoing treatment. Family therapy, vocational assistance, and psychotherapy are essential.
Dr. Gold reviewed established and newer treatments, including naloxone and naltrexone. Methadone and buprenorphine-naloxone can be effective for adherent patients who abuse only one drug. Naltrexone gives patients time to get their lives on track. Probuphine has comparable efficacy with buprenorphine-naloxone and methadone.