Buprenorphine

Introduction Heroin is an opioid based drug that is growing in popularity. This drug is highly addictive and is a short-acting drug that forces users to need to use several times a day to continue to feel the high; withdrawal symptoms are strong an onset very quickly. Part of the reason heroin has become so popular is the fact that it is actually becoming cheaper to purchase on the streets than any other opioid drug. Unfortunately, research is lacking in specific areas of heroin addiction specifically within the youth population. ““It’s a grey area -- there’s not much out there in terms of research” on treating young people with heroin addiction, said Philip Herschman, Ph.D (Hunt, 2013).” There should be more research on the three types of medication used to treat heroin addiction and counselors should be more aware of these drugs and their uses.

Buprenorphine

This is an opioid based drug that helps reduce the withdrawal symptoms as well as provide the patient with a safely monitored opioid. While there is no FDA approved drug for heroin addicts under the age of 18, there is a small amount of research for a person between the ages of 18 and 25, buprenorphine is the most recommended drug for this age group. Part of the reason for that is because it's meant to be a short term maintenance drug that the patient can be tapered off of at some point and this is the easiest drug to do that with.

Methadone

If buprenorphine does not work methadone is the backup medication. This medication most psychiatrists use as a last resort. This medication can also lead to addictive symptoms and can be abused. A patient taking methadone should be monitored very closely which is why methadone is considered the last resort medication. Methadone is also an opioid based drug that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms.