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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2011, 13, 2 (pages: 5 - 40)

Basics on Addiction: a training package for medical practitioners or psychiatrists who treat opioid dependence

Maremmani I., Pacini M., Pani P. P., On Behalf of the 'Basics on Addiction Group'

Summary: Opioid dependence is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that causes major medical, social and economic problems to both the individual and society. This seminar is intended to be a useful training resource to aid healthcare professionals – in particular, physicians who prescribe opioid pharmacotherapies – in assessing and treating opioid-dependent individuals. Herein we describe the neurobiological basis of the condition; recommended approaches to patient assessment and monitoring; and the main principles and strategies underlying medically assisted approaches to treatment, including the pharmacology and clinical application of methadone, buprenorphine and buprenorphine–naloxone.