Maintenance on which medications is considered appropriate for clients with prolonged opioid use?

Maintenance on which medications is considered appropriate for clients with prolonged opioid use?

• A. Methadone or LAAM
• B. Buprenorphine only
• C. Naltrexone only
• D. Disulfiram

Answer: (A)

Long-acting opioid agonist maintenance is the foundational approach for people with prolonged opioid use. Methadone and LAAM provide steady opioid receptor activation over extended periods, which prevents withdrawal symptoms, reduces cravings, and lowers the likelihood of seeking illicit opioids. This stabilizes the person and supports participation in counseling and other recovery efforts. Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, is used after detox to block opioid effects and is not suitable as maintenance for someone still using opioids. Disulfiram targets alcohol use and has no role in opioid maintenance. Buprenorphine can also be used for maintenance, but methadone or LAAM are the classic choices for sustained maintenance in this context.

Long-acting opioid agonist maintenance is the foundational approach for people with prolonged opioid use. Methadone and LAAM provide steady opioid receptor activation over extended periods, which prevents withdrawal symptoms, reduces cravings, and lowers the likelihood of seeking illicit opioids. This stabilizes the person and supports participation in counseling and other recovery efforts. Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, is used after detox to block opioid effects and is not suitable as maintenance for someone still using opioids. Disulfiram targets alcohol use and has no role in opioid maintenance. Buprenorphine can also be used for maintenance, but methadone or LAAM are the classic choices for sustained maintenance in this context.