- A partial opioid agonist, a maintenance treatment
- Administered sublingually on a daily basis
- Binds to and activates opioid receptors, but not to the same degree as true opioid agonists
- Improves treatment retention, and reduces craving and relapse (Volkow et al., 2014), (Kakko et al., 2003), (Fudala et al., 2003)
- Illicit use and diversion are possible
- Medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder with naltrexone and buprenorphine/naloxone is supported by scientific research and recommended by:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Washington Circle (a policy group devoted to improving care for substance use disorders)
- Veterans Administration
The Difference Between a Medication and a Drug
| Drug | Medication |
|---|---|
| Used for euphoric effect | Used to prevent or treat disease |
| Used intermittently, when one wants | Used regularly, as prescribed |
| Used to avoid withdrawal | Used to prevent/reduce drug use |
| Etc. | Etc. |