M edication-assisted treatment is growing in popularity and acceptance among addiction recovery professionals. And now it’s taken a revolutionary step forward that could offer renewed hope to thousands of people struggling with an addiction to opioids. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new buprenorphine implant to treat opioid depen- dence. Buprenorphine had previously been available only as a pill or a dissolvable film placed under the tongue. But the new implant, known as Probuphine, can administer a six-month dose of the drug to keep those dependent on opioids from using by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. "Opioid abuse and addiction have taken a devastating toll on American families,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf said in a statement. “We must do everything we can to make new, innovative treatment options available that can help patients regain control over their lives.” The implant comes in the form of four one-inch rods that are placed under the skin on the upper arm. The implant must be administered surgically and comes with the possibility of certain side effects, but experts say it could be more convenient and more effective for patients. They say by eliminating the need to take pills, fill prescriptions and generally manage their medication, it makes it easier for people to focus on the other areas of their recovery while making it less likely someone will lapse in their treatment plan.
Sign of the Times Experts say the newly approved implant also provides a big boost to the concept of medication-assisted treat- ment (MAT) in general. For years, the idea that someone could achieve recovery through the use of drugs like methadone and buprenorphine was rejected by many professionals in the field who saw complete abstinence as the only true sobriety. Many still hold that belief, but attitudes appear to be changing. Top government officials say they want to increase the amount of MAT taking place at the country’s treatment centers. Several states as well as the federal government have enacted laws making it easier for physicians to pre- scribe medications like buprenorphine, but they say too few patients receive the medication they need. “Scientific evidence suggests that maintenance treat- ment with these medications in the context of behavioral treatment and recovery support are more effective in the treatment of opioid use disorder than short-term detoxification programs aimed at abstinence,” said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in a statement. “This product will expand the treatment alternatives available to people suffering from an opioid use disorder.” ] [ "Opioid abuse and addiction have tak- en a devastating toll on American families.” - Dr. Robert M. Califf, FDA Commissioner
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