Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Bauer, Gordon

Keywords

Addiction, Opioids, Treatment, Neurobiology

Area of Concentration

Biological Psychology

Abstract

Addiction has been characterized as a chronic, relapsing disorder due to the neurobiological and behavioral modifications that occur during the addiction cycle. This review focuses on current treatment strategies available to heroin addicts and addresses the research that must be conducted to improve treatment outcome. Methadone maintenance treatment has proved to be effective in improving treatment retention. However, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of methadone at opioid receptors produce respiratory depression, cognitive impairments, and tolerance. Therefore, an alternative to this approach is suggested. The unique pharmacology of buprenorphine at the mu-opioid receptor (i.e., high affinity, low intrinsic activity, and slow dissociation) results in superior safety profile, low physical dependence, and flexibility in dose scheduling compared to methadone. More recently, a combination of buprenorphine/naloxone in a 4:1 ratio (Suboxone) has been assessed with the goal of decreasing diversion and abuse associated with buprenorphine. Evidence suggests that pharmacological approaches in the treatment of heroin addiction are most effective when used in tandem with psychosocial interventions, including 12-step programs and cognitive behavioral therapy. Although buprenorphine/naloxone is a novel pharmacotherapeutic, this combination medication is a promising corrective treatment for opioid addiction.

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