Substitution Therapy

Part of the diagnostic criteria for addiction is the presence of physical and/or psychological dependence.  For drugs that are highly physically addictive—like heroin or other opiates—substitution therapy may be necessary for treatment to be successful because otherwise cravings may be intense and persist long after withdrawal, which can elevate the person’s relapse risk.  As the name suggests, substitution therapy involves substituting a less detrimental substance for a more detrimental one. Usually, the replacement drug comes from the same class of drugs or functions similarly to the original substance. Whereas a substance like heroin will force the addict into constantly searching for money or another way to obtain the drug (like theft or prostitution), opioid substitution medications including suboxone and methadone relieve the person’s cravings for 24 hours, which makes it possible for heroin, Oxycontin, Vicodin, and other opiate addicts to experience a comparatively normal life again.  Learn more about the available FDA-approved substitution therapy options by reading the articles below.