Work

The Neurobiology of Opioid Dependence: Implications for Treatment

Year: 2002

Type: article

Abstract: Opioid tolerance, dependence, and addiction are all manifestations of brain changes resulting from chronic opioid abuse. The opioid abuser's struggle for recovery is in great part a struggle to overcome the effects of these changes. Medications such as methadone, LAAM, buprenorphine, and naltrexone act on the same brain structures and processes as addictive opioids, but with protective or normalizing effects. Despite the effectiveness of medications, they must be used in conjunction with appropriate psychosocial treatments.

Source: Science & Practice Perspectives

DOI: 10.1151/spp021113

Authors: Thomas Kosten, Tony George

Institutions: Yale University, Connecticut Mental Health Center

Language: English

Topic: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse