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Currently, on average, in the United States, about 130 people die of opiate overdoses daily. This number has decreased slightly over the last several years but remains a staggering statistic. Opiate use disorder currently continues to be a National health emergency in the United States.
The Food and Drug Administration currently approves three drugs for the treatment of opiate use disorder. These include Buprenorphine, Methadone, and Naltrexone.
Of the 3, only Naltrexone is a non-opiate and allows the patient to live an opiate-free life while on this medication. Naltrexone works by blocking the opiate receptors and preventing any response from ingested, injected, or inhaled opiates. It has also been shown that Naltrexone can help with opiate cravings by blocking the opiate receptors and preventing dopamine (a brain chemical that stimulates cravings) from stimulating the pleasure center of the brain that initiates the craving process.
Whether taken orally or by injection, Naltrexone saves lives. This is done through protecting the person in the event they were to relapse and by helping to control their cravings. Medication-assisted treatment for opiate use disorder is a tool that should be accompanied by physician supervision and counseling. There is no greater treatment on our planet for substance use disorder than 12-step programs; however, medication-assisted treatment, including Naltrexone, is a valuable tool to protect patients with opiate use disorder and help us fight this disease.
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