Opioid abuse interventions: a brief review

Abstract

It established that the etiology of opioid abuse is highly complex and depends on various socio-demographic, genetic, cultural and psychological factors. Here, we review the different intervention strategies which could help in curbing the burden of opioid abuse globally. Data from the literature show that use of Methadone as a maintenance treatment for combating opioid dependence is highly efficacious. However, despite these pharmacological treatments the relapse from drug-free state to re-addiction is highly prevalent, with a 40-60 % relapse rate as indicated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.