Opiate Replacement Therapy
Opioid replacement therapy (ORT), also known as opioid substitution therapy,
involves substituting an illicit opioid drug like heroin with a
longer-lasting but less euphoric opioid, typically methadone or
buprenorphine, administered under medical supervision.
In certain countries, such as Switzerland and Austria, patients may receive
slow-release morphine when methadone is not suitable for their situation. In
Germany, Dihydrocodeine has been used off-label in ORT for an extended
period, although its prescription for this purpose has decreased in
frequency.
Extended-release dihydrocodeine is once again being utilized in Austria for
this purpose. Ongoing research is being conducted in various countries to
evaluate the effectiveness of piritramide, extended-release hydromorphone
with polymer implants lasting up to 90 days, dihydroetorphine, and other
medications for this purpose.
In some countries, particularly those facing challenges with methadone
programs, medicinal heroin or morphine may be prescribed for long-term
addicts.
ORT has demonstrated to be the most efficacious treatment in improving the
health and quality of life for patients. Additionally, it has proven to be
the most effective approach in reducing mortality rates and overall societal
costs, including those associated with drug-related crime, law enforcement,
disease transmission, and other related factors.
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