Harm reduction in illegal opiates addicted using opiate substitution therapy (OST)

Abstract:

The use of illegal psychoactive substances has expanded to encompass a wider range than ever before. While opiate addiction may play a diminished role in overall addiction issues, it remains a significant source of personal and social harm, posing a major health and social problem globally. To address the opiate addiction, harm reduction programs primarily rely on opioid substitution therapy (OST) in conjunction with psychosocial approaches, which are considered paramount in addiction treatment. OST involves use of synthetic opioids, such as methadone (an opioid receptor agonist) and buprenorphine (an opioid receptor agonist/antagonist), which exert pharmacological effects on the opioid receptors. The selection of an appropriate OST is a complex decision influenced by numerous factors. By implementing harm reduction programs, one can significantly contribute to preventing and mitigating the psychological, physical, and social complications associated with opiate addiction. These complications have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life, family dynamics, and the wider social community, along with an additional burden on the healthcare system. Therefore, the use of OST plays a vital role in reducing harm and enhancing the well-being of opiate addicts.

Key words:
addiction; buprenorphine; methadone; opioid substitution therapy; harm reduction