Final answer:
The drugs approved for narcotic addiction in opioid treatment programs include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drugs approved for narcotic addiction in opioid treatment programs include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. The opioid crisis has led to the approval of several medications for use in opioid treatment programs to help manage narcotic addiction. These include Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone. Methadone, a synthetic opioid, mitigates withdrawal effects and reduces cravings without the euphoric high associated with opioids. It's used in methadone clinics for long-term maintenance therapy. Buprenorphine is another medication that can alleviate symptoms of opioid withdrawal and is often used in combination with Naloxone to prevent misuse. Naltrexone, available since 1985, works by blocking the effects of opioids entirely, making the use of opioids less rewarding and thereby reducing the likelihood of relapse. It is often employed in narcotic treatment programs for its long-acting properties and oral availability.
In addition to those medications, drugs like Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are prescribed for pain management but have a high potential for abuse. These medications should be used with caution, as they're often involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths, especially when combined with central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines. The crisis began with the overprescription of these opioid-based pain medications and has since led to increased rates of addiction and misuse.