Also, those that provide other services, such as counseling, therapy, and medical care, along with methadone generally get better results than the programs that provide minimal services. Another drug recently approved for use in maintenance treatment is LAAM, which is administered three times a week rather than daily, as is the case with methadone. The drug naltrexone is also used to prevent relapse. Like methadone, LAAM and naltrexone prevent addicts from getting high from heroin. However, naltrexone does not eliminate the drug craving, so it has not been popular among addicts.
Naltrexone works best with highly motivated patients.
There are medications, however, for treating the adverse health effects of these drugs, such as seizures or psychotic reactions, and for overdoses from opiates. Currently, NIDA's top research priority is the development of a medication useful in treating cocaine addiction. Send comments and questions to NIDA Infofax, P.O. Box 30652, Bethesda, MD. 20824-0652. Citation of the source is appreciated. This page last updated Friday, September 28, 2001.