Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a severe public health problem, with opioids accounting for 70% of drug overdoses across the United States. Synthetic opioids, in particular, such as fentanyl, have contributed to the sharp rise in opioid-related deaths [1].
Fortunately, several medications exist to support individuals with opioid addiction. These medications are safe and effective, offering hope for those and their loved ones in recovery.
Read on to understand what medications are used to treat opioid use disorder and how they can support individuals recovering from opioid addiction.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that bind to opioid receptors found on nerve cells throughout the brain and body. For decades, they have been prescribed for treating chronic pain disorders and post-surgery relief. Some of these include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone.
Other opioids are sold illicitly on the street and abused recreationally. These include heroin, fentanyl, and “designer” opioids that contain unknown or unregulated chemicals and are harder to keep track of [1].
Opioids work by blocking pain signals sent from the spinal cord to the brain, providing users with intense pain relief and feelings of relaxation. This affects key brain regions such as the brain stem, which controls vital functions, including breathing and heart rate.
They also disrupt chemicals known as neurotransmitters that help regulate the pleasure and reward center of the brain—this is one of the reasons they are so addictive [2].
Rates of Opioid Use and Overdoses
According to the National Institute of Health, over 80,000 people die each year in the US from opioid overdoses. Researchers also found that overdose rates increased after COVID-19, showing how addiction can worsen during social or economic crises [3].
The severity of the opioid crisis is illustrated with these statistics [3] :
- Over 5 million adults have struggled with opioid use disorder at one point in their lives
- Almost 10 million Americans above the age of 12 have abused opioids
- Almost half of those struggling with opioid addiction are diagnosed with a co-occurring mental health disorder
- Over 80,000 deaths in 2022 involved opioids
- Heroin and, more recently, fentanyl contributed to over 90% of the opioid deaths
The Increase of Fentanyl
Over the recent decade, there has been a rise in the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Although it is used in extremely small doses in surgical settings, it has flooded the streets and contributed to a significant increase in opioid deaths.
Users often purchase it in powder form, where it is sniffed or snorted. They also may buy it knowingly or unknowingly in combination with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or in the form of a fake pill that looks like oxycodone [4].
Fentanyl is extremely potent, reported to be 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times that of morphine. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 75% of heroin deaths were laced with fentanyl, and in just 2024, nearly 73,000 people died from a fentanyl overdose [4].
Withdrawing from Opioids
Withdrawing from opioids can be an uncomfortable and painful process that is almost impossible to do without medical supervision and long-term support.
It is recommended not to quit opioids cold turkey or on your own due to the symptoms that opioid withdrawal can cause. These include:
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Body aches and pains
- Sweating and trembling
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Intense cravings
- Depression and anxiety
- Irritability, aggression
- Hallucinations, paranoia
Medications Used in Opioid Recovery and Their Effectiveness
Current research shows that medication plays an important role when withdrawing and recovering from opioid use disorder. These can provide life-saving treatment in moments of overdose and help alleviate withdrawal pain and cravings to prevent relapse.
Naloxone
Naloxone is a life-saving treatment that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist that attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks the effects of opioids (including heroin and fentanyl).
More emergency personnel are beginning to carry naloxone with them to prevent opioid deaths (many of those from fentanyl). It is mostly administered through an injection or in the form of a nasal spray known as Narcan.
According to the CDC, Narcan saved more than 80,000 of the 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021 that involved opioids. And states that have enacted the use of naloxone in emergency settings have seen a 14% decrease in the opioid overdose death rate [5].
Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist and has been used for opioid use disorder treatment since the early 1960s. It is a long-acting opioid with effects lasting much longer than typical opioids addicted individuals use multiple times a day to avoid withdrawal. Known as methadone maintenance treatment, it is designed to replace the short-acting opioid drugs many are addicted to.
Methadone stimulates opioid receptors in the brain and blocks other opioids from being able to bind to them. The length of methadone treatment can vary, with many individuals using methadone for several years to support their long-term recovery.
One study shows patients on methadone had 33% less likelihood to test positive for opioids on drug tests and were almost 5 times more likely to stay and participate in substance abuse treatment [6].
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain but only partially activates them. This helps ease withdrawal symptoms without causing intense euphoria or dangerous side effects.
Buprenorphine has been around since the early 2000s with proven effects to prevent relapse during opioid recovery. Studies showed that patients who received Buprenorphine were 75% less likely to test positive on a drug test.
They also found that individuals who continued buprenorphine for the long term were less likely to relapse and more likely to be active participants in their substance abuse treatment [6].
Detox and Residential Treatment for Opioid Abuse in Michigan
Rushton Recovery understands the severity of opioid use disorder. We prioritize your well-being, safety, and comfort during treatment. Our detox and residential treatment center in Michigan offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward sobriety.
We offer evidence-based therapies designed to evolve with your individual needs and address the root of your substance abuse. Let our team help you heal, repair relationships, and equip you with the skills to achieve long-term recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Uncovering the Opioid Epidemic. 2020. CDC.
[2] The Neurobiology of Opioid Dependence. 2002. National Library of Medicine.
[3] The Opioid Crisis. 2024. National Institute of Mental Health.
[4] Fentanyl Drug Fact Sheet. 2024. DEA.
[5] Lifesaving Naloxone: Stop Overdose. 2024. CDC.
[6] Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder Research Report. 2018. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
