Opioid agonist therapy

Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is a treatment in which prescribed opioid agonists are given to patients who live with Opioid use disorder (OUD). The benefits of this treatment include a more manageable withdrawal experience, cognitive improvement, and lower HIV transmission. The length of OAT varies from one individual to another based on their physiology, environmental surroundings, and quality of life. The term medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is used to describe medication including methadone and buprenorphine, which are used to treat patients with OUD. Other terms that appear in the professional and popular literature include opioid replacement therapy, methadone maintenance, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). An opioid is considered a ligand, which is an ion or a molecule. An opioid ligand travels to the brain and attaches itself to an opioid receptor, which begins the effects of opioids. The mesolimbic system, which is the biological system that moderates the feeling of reward generated by dopamine, is the main system that is effected by opioids. Opioids stimulate the mesolimbic system to release a large amount of dopamine in the brain, which increases the effects of opioids: euphoria and numbness. The difference between an opioid and an opioid agonist is that opioids induce more intense effects and stay in the brain for a short amount of time. Conversely, an opioid agonist induces minimal effects and stays in the brain for a long time, which prevents the opioid user from feeling the effects of natural or synthetic opioids. However, the opioid receptors are still being used when an opioid agonist attaches, which prevents the effects of opioid withdrawal and can help prevent relapse. The two most common opioid agonists are methadone and buprenorphine. The use of methadone for the treatment of opioid addiction dates back to the 1960s. Methadone treatments usually last for multiple years, although they can last for decades.

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Opioid use disorder

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a substance use disorder characterized by cravings for opioids, continued use despite physical and/or psychological deterioration, increased tolerance with use, and withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing opioids. Opioid withdrawal symptoms include nausea, muscle aches, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, agitation, and a low mood. Addiction and dependence are important components of opioid use disorder.

Opioid

Opioids are substances that act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects. Medically they are primarily used for pain relief, including anesthesia. Other medical uses include suppression of diarrhea, replacement therapy for opioid use disorder, reversing opioid overdose, and suppressing cough. Extremely potent opioids such as carfentanil are approved only for veterinary use. Opioids are also frequently used non-medically for their euphoric effects or to prevent withdrawal.

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