Opioid Addiction

Opioid Addiction

Opioids are medications, such as morphine and codeine, which are used to treat pain. Dependence occurs after taking opioids regularly and for a long period of time. There are several options available to effectively treat addiction to prescription opioids. These options are derived from research on treatment for heroin addiction and include medications (e.g., naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine), as well as behavioral therapy approaches. Your physician will perform a physical exam. He will ask you questions about your symptoms and the consumption of opioids. You will also be asked about your current and past use of other drugs and about any family history of drug abuse.