Final answer:
Naloxone and methadone are pharmacological interventions used to treat opioid addiction. Naloxone rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, while methadone helps manage withdrawal symptoms and supports recovery from opioid dependence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Naloxone and methadone are used for the treatment of opioid addiction. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, including respiratory depression. It is also used in newborns of mothers who have received narcotics. Methadone is a synthetic opioid used in medically-supervised withdrawal and maintenance therapy for individuals who have an opioid dependency. Methadone's effects are slower and less euphoric than heroin, making it easier to taper off use and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Rehabilitation for opioid dependency often includes the use of methadone due to its effectiveness in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone clinics provide a controlled dosage of the drug to help individuals wean off stronger opioids like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers. The use of methadone in a structured treatment program allows for a safer and more gradual reduction of opioid use.