Final answer:
Suboxone requires a prescriber to have a DEA number beginning with 'X' to treat opioid dependency. Opioids can range from heroin to prescription medications like oxycodone and fentanyl. Proper certification for prescribers aims to address the opioid epidemic by controlling addiction risk. Option b is the answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid dependency that requires the prescriber to have a special DEA number that starts with a(n) X. This requirement is part of the measures to regulate the prescription of substances that can be addictive or abused, such as opioids. Suboxone itself is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist, which helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while naloxone is included to deter misuse by causing withdrawal symptoms if the medication is injected.
Opioids include a class of drugs ranging from illegal substances like heroin, to prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and methadone. Physicians prescribing such treatments need to be trained and certified to ensure proper handling and to reduce the risk of addiction. The opioid epidemic has been fueled by both the illicit use of substances like heroin and the misuse of prescription opioids. Treatment for opioid addiction often includes medications like Suboxone, therapy, and support from organizations like Narcotics Anonymous (NA).