Prescription Addiction

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.