OPIOID ADDICTION - RECENT ADVANCES IN DETOXIFICATION AND MAINTENANCE THERAPY

New pharmacological treatments for opioid dependence include detoxific ation agents such as clonidine and lofexidine, and maintenance agents such as levacetylmethadol (levo-alpha-acetylmethadol; LAAM) and bupren orphine. Detoxification from opioids has been facilitated by the devel opment of clonidine, particularly in combination with naltrexone. New experimental approaches have also been tried to reduce the time that i t takes to complete the process of detoxification or to further reduce residual withdrawal symptoms not completely relieved by clonidine. Ma intenance on levacetylmethadol or buprenorphine has become a viable al ternative to methadone maintenance and holds promise for the future.