Category: Substance use disorder

In 2022, nearly 108,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, with a significant portion involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This statistic underscores the critical importance of understanding and having access to medications that can reverse an opioid overdose, with naloxone being a key example of an opioid receptor antagonist.

According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), millions of Americans struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD), reinforcing the importance of understanding **what are the categories of drug abuse?**. Categorizing substances helps medical and behavioral health professionals develop effective prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies.

By legal definition, yes, buprenorphine is considered a narcotic, but its unique pharmacology sets it apart from traditional full opioid agonists like heroin or morphine. This medication is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it produces weaker opioid effects with a 'ceiling effect' that limits its euphoric potential, lowering the risk of misuse and overdose compared to other opioids.

According to the DEA, slang terms for stimulants are often used by dealers and users to conceal drug use from authorities and others. For concerned family, friends, or educators, recognizing what are street names for stimulants is a critical step in identifying potential substance abuse.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), combining behavioral therapies and medications is often the most effective approach for treating substance use disorders. Understanding the two types of prescription drug abuse treatments—pharmacological and behavioral—is crucial for developing a personalized and successful recovery plan. This article explores these core treatment approaches and how they work together to address the complex nature of addiction.

As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine binds strongly to opioid receptors but produces a limited effect, a characteristic that allows it to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, the powerful action of specific medications, known as opioid antagonists, can effectively block buprenorphine from exerting its effects on these receptors.

Suboxone is the most commonly prescribed form of buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD), but specific medical scenarios still warrant the use of buprenorphine without naloxone. Understanding **why you would take Subutex instead of Suboxone** is crucial for patients, especially concerning treatment induction, pregnancy, and certain allergies.