Prescription Drugs
Evidence from around the country suggests that a significant
percentage of patients in methadone programs are being treated
for prescription opioid dependence. For example, Alaska estimates
that there are 15,000 prescription opioid abusers in the
state and that most methadone patients are not heroin-addicted
individuals. One opioid treatment programs in southwest Virginia
reported that 80 percent of the 290 people in outpatient
treatment with methadone named OxyContin® as their primary
drug of abuse. According to SAMHSA's Center for Substance
Abuse Treatment, in 2001, emergency department mentions of
narcotic analgesics and narcotic analgesic combinations were
the most frequently mentioned in drug-related emergency department
visits in 2001, constituting 9 percent of all emergency room
mentions (99,317). Mentions of these narcotic analgesics
and combinations rose 44 percent from 1999 to 2001 and 21
percent from 2000 to 2001. Significant long-term increased
in emergency department mentions of narcotic analgesics and
combinations were found for hydrocodone and its combinations
(up 131 percent since 1994), methadone (up 230 percent),
morphine and its combinations (up 210 percent), oxycodone
and its combinations (up 352 percent) and narcotic analgesics
that were not specified (up 288 percent).
One year, from 2000 to 2001, methadone mentions increased
by 37 percent and oxycondone and its combinations rose
70 percent. Unspecified narcotic analgesics rose 24 percent.
Mentions of analgesics containing hydrocodone were statistically
unchanged from 2000 to 2001, but were 41 percent higher
than in 1999.
There are approximately 810,000 heroin addicts in the
United States-about 20% receive MMT (maintenance). The
operating practices of clinics and hospitals are under
Federal regulations that restrict the use and availability
of methadone. These regulations are explicitly stated in
detailed protocols established by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). Additionally, most States have laws
that control and closely monitor the distribution of this
medication.
Since the introduction of Methadone, two new drugs have
been introduced to help battle opiate addiction. SUBOXONE
and SUBUTEX are prescription medicines used to treat adults
addicted to Opiate based (narcotic painkillers) medicines
and drugs, such as morphine, heroin and prescription pills.
SUBOXONE and SUBUTEX take the place of these medicines
and drugs and may help you stop using and abusing them.
SUBOXONE and SUBUTEX are part of a complete addiction treatment
program that also includes counseling or behavioral therapy.
Both medicines contain the active ingredient buprenorphine
hydrochloride, which works to reduce the symptoms of opiate
dependence. Subutex contains only buprenorphine hydrochloride.
This formulation was developed as the initial product.
The second medication, Suboxone contains an additional
ingredient called naloxone to guard against misuse. Subutex
is given during the first few days of treatment, while
Suboxone is used during the maintenance phase of treatment.
Opiate dependence treatments like methadone can be dispensed
only in a limited number of clinics that specialize in
addiction treatment. There are not enough addiction treatment
centers to help all patients seeking treatment. Subutex
and Suboxone are the first narcotic drugs available under
the Drug Abuse Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000 for the treatment
of opiate dependence that can be prescribed in a doctor’s
office. This change will provide more patients the opportunity
to access treatment.
Research and clinical studies suggest that long-term Methadone
Maintenance is medically safe. When taken under medical
supervision, long-term maintenance causes no adverse effects
to the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bones, blood, brain,
or other vital body organs. And methadone produces no serious
side effects, although some patients experience minor symptoms
such as constipation, water retention, drowsiness, skin
rash, excessive sweating, and changes in libido. Once methadone
dosage is adjusted and stabilized or tolerance increases,
these symptoms usually subside.
Methadone is a legal medication produced by licensed and
approved pharmaceutical companies using quality control
standards. Under a physician's supervision, it is administered
orally on a daily basis with strict program conditions
and guidelines. It does not impair cognitive functions.
It has no adverse effects on mental capability, intelligence,
or employability. It is not sedating or intoxicating, nor
does it interfere with ordinary activities such as driving
a car or operating machinery. Patients are able to feel
pain and experience emotional reactions. Most importantly,
methadone relieves the craving associated with opiate addiction.
For methadone patients, typical street doses of heroin
are ineffective at producing euphoria, making the use of
heroin less desirable.
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