The neurobiology of opioid dependence: implications for treatment.
Opioid tolerance, dependence, and addiction are all manifestations of brain changes resulting from chronic opioid abuse. The opioid abuser's struggle for recovery is in great part a struggle to overcome the effects of these changes. Medications such as methadone, LAAM, buprenorphine, and naltrexone act on the same brain structures and processes as addictive opioids, but with protective or normalizing effects. Despite the effectiveness of medications, they must be used in conjunction with appropriate psychosocial treatments.
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. thomas.kosten@yale.edu
Thomas R
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Kosten
Tony P
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George
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000503:physiopathology; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D011957:Receptors, Opioid