This literature review examined the existing literature on opioid dependence treatment options. There is not one single way to treat opioid dependence, an array of treatment options needs to be available for individuals with opioid dependence. For this reason much of the research indicates that several modes of treatment should be used with opioid dependent individuals, these include: crisis intervention, detox services, agonist maintenance, relapse prevention education and psycho-social therapies. In recent years the US government has made substantial investments in opioid treatment and prevention measures. Nevertheless, the continuing trend for opioid dependence treatment indicates that agonist maintenance management is the central treatment modality.
Introduction
According to the US Department of Health and Human services, the United States is experiencing an opioid epidemic. In 2014 six out of ten drug overdose deaths involved an opioid (CDC, 2015.) The number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin) has nearly quadrupled since 1999 (CDC, …show more content…
2007; NIDA, 2016). The difference between abuse and dependence is that those who abuse substances still have some relative control over their lives, while those with an addiction have a disease that affects many aspects of their life (NIDA, 2016). In addition to the risk and harm associated with substance abuse, such as possible contraction of infectious diseases or overdose, opioid addicted individuals often miss work or school, get into legal trouble, endanger their families physically or financially, have dire health issues, and other serious problems because of their substance use (Ayanga, Shorter & Kosten, 2016). Many people with opioid addiction end up estranged from their family, jobless, homeless and eventually die from their substance use (Ayanga, Shorter & Kosten,
Introduction
According to the US Department of Health and Human services, the United States is experiencing an opioid epidemic. In 2014 six out of ten drug overdose deaths involved an opioid (CDC, 2015.) The number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin) has nearly quadrupled since 1999 (CDC, …show more content…
2007; NIDA, 2016). The difference between abuse and dependence is that those who abuse substances still have some relative control over their lives, while those with an addiction have a disease that affects many aspects of their life (NIDA, 2016). In addition to the risk and harm associated with substance abuse, such as possible contraction of infectious diseases or overdose, opioid addicted individuals often miss work or school, get into legal trouble, endanger their families physically or financially, have dire health issues, and other serious problems because of their substance use (Ayanga, Shorter & Kosten, 2016). Many people with opioid addiction end up estranged from their family, jobless, homeless and eventually die from their substance use (Ayanga, Shorter & Kosten,