Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

"The recent drop in overdose deaths is largely credited by public health officials to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs), particularly naloxone (Narcan) and Suboxone/Subutex. Naloxone reverses active overdoses almost immediately by "kicking" opioids out of receptors in the brain and body and blocking their return. Nasally administered Narcan, when given quickly, can literally bring overdosed users "back from the dead.""

"The second drug, Suboxone, is used to prevent overdoses in the first place. Suboxone combines naloxone with buprenorphine, a powerful opioid itself. Buprenorphine spares patients from withdrawal, while low-dose naloxone limits the euphoria and risk of overdose that buprenorphine alone carries. Although patients maintain a low-level "high" and remain physically addicted to buprenorphine, low-dose naloxone prevents intense intoxication and overdoses by partially blocking opioid receptors."

"Overdose deaths increased sixfold between 2003 and 2023, from 12,940 to 79,358. Yearly increases have been especially steep since 2013, when fentanyl hit the streets. COVID-19 further exacerbated the crisis until a marked decline in overdoses in 2024. The recent drop in overdose deaths is largely credited by public health officials to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs), particularly naloxone (Narcan) and Suboxone/Subutex."

Nearly all Americans are aware of the U.S. opioid crisis. Overdose deaths increased sixfold between 2003 and 2023, from 12,940 to 79,358. Yearly increases accelerated after fentanyl arrived in 2013 and COVID-19 further worsened the crisis until a marked decline in overdoses in 2024. Public health officials credit medications for opioid use disorder—especially naloxone and Suboxone—with driving the recent downturn. Naloxone reverses active overdoses almost immediately, while Suboxone (buprenorphine plus low-dose naloxone) prevents withdrawal and reduces euphoria and overdose risk. Both drugs have been available for decades and expanded distribution is linked to falling deaths. Reductions in other causes of death in 2024 indicate additional factors.

Read at Psychology Today