Opioids: Abuse Liability and Treatments for Dependence (From Addiction Potential of Abused Drugs and Drug Classes, P 27-45, 1990, Barry Stimmel, Carlton K Erickson, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-128599)

• NCJ Number: 128601
• Author(s): J W Ternes; C P O'Brien
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

There are three types of narcotic analgesics commonly classified within the larger category of opioids: natural alkaloids, semi-synthetic chemical modifications of morphine, and synthetic agents. Opioids vary greatly in their addictive potential, manifesting different euphorigenic properties and withdrawal symptoms.

Abstract

The relative abuse potential and dependence liability of the three major classes of opioids -- agonists, agonist-antagonists, and antagonists -- are reviewed. Opioid agonists include morphine, the prototypical narcotic analgesic, codeine, heroin, methadone, and propoxyphene. Pentazocine, buprenorphine, and nalbuphine are several of the agonist-antagonist analgesic drugs discussed here. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which produces few effects unless administered subsequent to an opioid agonist. Opioid dependence is characterized by physiological modifications of the organism and results in physical addiction. Conditioned withdrawal is marked by pharmacological factors as well as behavioral processes. Detoxification, methadone maintenance, mixed agonist-antagonists, and non-opioid detoxification aids are included among the accepted treatment modalities for opioid dependence. Naltrexone is often used as a relapse prevention measure following detoxification. 19 references