What drugs are used to treat heroin addiction?

The treatment of heroin addiction typically involves the use of Methadone and Suboxone, which are both effective options in this context. Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing individuals to stabilize and focus on recovery without experiencing the intense highs and lows associated with heroin use.

Suboxone, which contains Buprenorphine, is a partial opioid agonist combined with Naloxone. This combination not only helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms but also minimizes the risk of misuse due to the presence of Naloxone, which can precipitate withdrawal if the medication is misused. Using Methadone and Suboxone together or separately forms a cornerstone of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid dependence, offering a comprehensive approach to managing addiction.

The other options listed include medications that are either not primarily indicated for treating heroin addiction or are not effective in the same manner as Methadone and Suboxone. Oxycodone, for instance, is an opioid analgesic and not a part of addiction treatment protocols. Similarly, while Fentanyl is a potent analgesic, it is associated with a high risk of overdose and is not typically used in treating substance use disorders.