Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

A ccording to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the nonmedical use of prescription drugs has become a major problem in the US (NIDA, 2012). NIDA estimates that 52 million people have abused prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime. Prescription drugs are typically classified as opioids and include but not limited to Vicodin and Oxycontin. In 2010, the National Survey on Drug Use (NSDUH) reported 2.4 million people used prescription drugs for non-medical use within the past year. Opioids can have adverse health effects and a person can become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reported that among emergency room visits across the Nation, 1 million were for prescription drug abuse. Due to the prevalence of prescription drug abuse, treatment professionals need to be aware of effective best practices. Medication Assisted Treatment is one such option. Suboxone is a partial agonist and can be prescribed to assist in the treatment of prescription drug abuse (NIDA, 2012). Despite the potential clinical significance of Suboxone, few treatment entities have adopted the option. The purpose of this research is to examine knowledge and attitudes about the incorporation of Suboxone in treatment for Opiate Addiction.The ultimate goal of this study isto provide data to be used by treatment facilities to examine the knowledge among staff about the use of Suboxone.

Biography

Ann M Melvin came to UIS in 2011 and is an assistant professor of Human Services, Alcohol and Substance Abuse concentration. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2005 from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a specialization in Substance Abuse Counseling in 2007, and a PhD in Rehabilitation in 2011 from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.