The Possibility Of A New Drug For Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a tremendously challenging affliction, and because of this, pharmaceutical companies are always striving to find the most effective medications for patients. Recently, a new drug has been released to be reviewed by the United States Food and Drug Administration sometime this spring. The FDA states that this new drug, Probuphine, will get Priority Review. It is estimated that around 2.3 million Americans have an opioid addiction, and that nearly 750,000 Americans are currently on medication regarding their opioid addiction. Probuphine may allow those addicts to live a more effective and productive lifestyle, while battling their addiction.

The hope is that an opioid addict can merge from daily treatments to bi-annual treatments. Medications that are currently being used, such as methadone or different types of Buprenorphine tablets, must be taken daily to work effectively. Probuphine, if it is approved, will offer a new option. Rather than being taken daily, it is dispensed every six months. By being placed under the skin, usually on the upper arm, Probuphine is able to deliver the drug Buprenorphine slowly and consistently to the body over the months. As Buprenorphine is delivered to the blood, cravings for opiates will be prevented and addiction may even be reduced.

So, why the new drug? As the numbers of prescription drug abuse shoot upwards, medical professionals are attempting to find ways to prescribe effective medicine to their patients safely. There have been multiple clinical trials that have affirmed Probuphine's safety and effectiveness. With medicine that must be taken at home, there is always a risk for under- or over-medicating. With an implanted drug like Probuphine, there is a uniform and uninterrupted method of drug distribution. This also reduces the risk of taking more medication than necessary, or trying to give/sell the medication to those who do not have a prescription.

The idea behind this drug is to allow for a safer and more effective way of distributing medication for the treatment of opioid addiction. Not only does it hope to be safer for the individual patient, but also for the common good. If Probuphine is approved this spring, millions of Americans will have a chance to see if this method of medication will help them with their addiction.

Opioid addiction in all forms can be treated. If you are looking for a quick and easy solution, you won't find one. However, medical professionals are trying to make medications that are safe and effective, but you as an addict still have to be completely dedicated to living a sober and productive life. Although it is hard, sometimes the best thing to do is to attend a rehab center, such as Ambrosia Treatment Centers, and get completely clean and sober with no reliance on drugs whatsoever. To do that, there is a holistic health program, and other treatment programs that use holistic ideals. Don't wait for the easy way out of your drug addiction. Get the treatment you need today.