title: Opioid dependence.
abstract: Opioid dependence is becoming a more common problem in the United States that gives rise to many negative health and social consequences for both individuals and society as a whole. Opioid dependence presents a challenging issue for physicians to identify and treat. Understanding and managing withdrawal symptoms is often a necessary first step on the road to recovery for these patients. Long-term therapy options include detoxification, nonpharmacologic treatment plans, and maintenance replacement treatment with either methadone or buprenorphine. Physicians meeting necessary requirements have the option of implementing office-based opioid-assisted maintenance therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 295 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. Electronic address: benichjj@musc.edu.
authors.forename: Joseph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Benich
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D011613:Psychotherapy; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D002047:Buprenorphine; D008691:Methadone