Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

B uprenorphine, a partial mu-receptor agonist, is a highly effective treatment for opioid dependence successfully introduced in inpatient detoxification units and primary care settings throughout the world. However stressful exposures have been associated with increased cravings and concurrent stimulant abuse (i.e. cocaine and methamphetamine) in office based opioid treatment (OBOT) settings. Recent findings suggest that buprenorphines kappa opioid receptor antagonist activity may decrease stress-induced potentiation of glutamatergic synapses and reduce cocaine craving, an important contributor to relapse. In animal models, methamphetamines dopamine peak effect was reduced after low dose buprenorphine administration; this may be due to buprenorphines agonist effect on nociception/orphanin FQ receptors. In a case series study, we administered buprenorphine to methamphetamine dependent participants and reported significant decreases in methamphetamine cravings and positive methamphetamine urine tests at 12 months. In our current before - after phase II clinical trial study, we will present findings comparing Addiction Severity Index (ASI), cravings, and quality of life before and after buprenorphine administration at 6 months in 21 methamphetamine dependents adults enrolled in outpatient treatment

Biography

Schwann Shariatirad, MD, graduated from Islamic Azad University in Iran and was trained in addiction medicine in SBUMS and QUMS. His current research is focused on introducing novel treatment strategies for methamphetamine dependency. He has collaborated with the UNODC and the anti-narcotics division of Irans National Police force and UNODC and has been a lecturer at Students Research Center of International Campus of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.