For some opiate addicts the usual oral methadone regimes are inappropriate or ineffective. Alternative regimes are available. Injectable methadone ampoules can now be labelled to help prevent diversion. Long-acting substitutes for methadone and drugs that block the effects of opiates can improve treatment compliance and prevent relapse. New combinations of drugs can achieve safe opiate withdrawal in 4-5 days.

New treatments for opiate dependence (PDF)

Additional keywords: Clonidine / Narcotic agonists / Naltrexone / LAAM