Pharmacotherapy for opioid and cocaine abuse

Opioid and cocaine abuse is a significant health problem in the United States and a major risk factor for acquiring HIV infection. Pharmacotherapy for opioid use includes detoxification with methadone and clonidine, alone or with naltrexone. Long-term maintenance treatment with methadone can reduce the risk of HIV in heroin users. More recent options for opioid maintenance include LAAM, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. The pharmacology of cocaine is reviewed. Currently, no effective pharmacotherapy for cocaine use has been established; drug trials fox cocaine abuse are summarized.