Buprenorphine: A new alternative in the treatment of opioid addiction

Abstract

Opioid addiction is a complex disease with severe biological, psychological, and social impacts in the life of the individual, his family and the society. Besides heroin, misuse and abuse of prescription opioid pain medications are rising. Current pharmacological maintenance therapy with methadone accompanied by appropriate psychosocial treatments is a highly effective treatment for opioid addiction. However, due to strict regulations, limited availability, and abuse risk of methadone, new and practical approaches are required. Buprenorphine, a high affinity partial μ opioid agonist, allows qualifying physicians to offer treatment in office-based settings for the detoxification or maintenance of individuals with opioid addiction.