FDA Approved Opioid May Curve Addiction, Neglects Larger Issue
Last May, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new drug that may help resist our ongoing opioid addiction epidemic. Probuphine is an implant that releases low doses of buprenorphine into the bloodstream in attempts to wean the addicted person off opioids. This is, of course, a good thing. But, is to be mentioned that the American Opioid Epidemic was largely caused by the FDA’s readiness to approve such drugs for prescription for ailments that may not need such powerful, harmful, and addictive drugs. Doctor’s willingness to prescribe these substances so drastically is also at the heart of the problem.
But now, is it a good idea to fight opioids with opioids? Perhaps to eliminate the issue on a grand scheme, less-powerful drugs should be prescribed to avoid such crippling addiction and death. An ability to cure addiction is never a bad thing, but it may putting a Band-Aid on a much larger wound.
How does an administration get the public off of these drugs, but keeps the pharmaceutical companies happy and well-funded? You treat the addiction of millions of Americans by implanting the drugs in their arms to facilitate the addiction, but keep dangerous chemical levels out of their bodies. But, it bears mentioning that the already addicted individual might feel the thrifty levels of the drug, and simply crave the dosage they were taking before they attempted to get clean of their habit. This may lead to theft, lying, furthered addiction, and even death. Fatal overdoses are overwhelming by accident. If an opioid addict has the drugs released into their system slowly and add their usual dose on top of that, overdose from these substances may tip the user over the edge, kicking the can.
The practice of implants is not new with Probuphine. There is an implant much like this used for birth control, dosing the medication throughout the woman’s bloodstream at a steady rate. The use of this method for birth control is effective, but it is a whole different ball game when it is an opioid. Above all, when considering this option for detox, it is always recommended that the patient be under the supervision of a clinically managed detox center with follow up treatment at a residential inpatient facility, and outpatient therapy. If used, Proburphine must be implanted as a part of their generally behavioral treatment and counseling.
This newly approved drug may help the fight against opioid addiction, but substance abuse is never simple. The uphill battle against addiction is not so easily fixable. That being an obstacle to face on the road to recovery, the pros and cons should be weighed carefully with an esteemed addiction and recovery specialist.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from opioid addiction please call United drug rehab centers right away, and with help you can begin the difficult but rewarding road to recovery and a happier life.
