[Trazodone in the treatment of addiction]

The problem of addiction to psychoactive substances (SPA) is an important aspect of modem psychiatric treatment. This is due to the increasing number of addicts, and reducing their increasing age. It is estimated that in the United States in 2006, people aged over 12 years of meeting criteria for dependence on SPA was 20-25 million. Other statistics report that in the same age group over the last year contact with these substances were 8-10 percent of the U.S. population. Therefore, it becomes an important issue the appropriate therapeutic treatment of addicts. The result of the search of drugs that help people to alcoholism treatment program, were studies involving trazodone. Counted among the SARI (serotonin reuptake inhibitor and antagonist), shows antagonism to serotonergic receptors (5-HT2 receptors), while an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake. Its performance was analyzed in individuals dependent on alcohol, benzodiazepines and opiates, as well as mixed addictions. Also raised the problem of influence of trazodone on the experience of pain, which maybe helpful in relieving withdrawal symptoms. The data show a positive effect of trazodone in individuals addicted to the SPA, although the mechanism by which trazodone works in the body is very complex and not yet fully understood. Its advantage is the relatively small panel of side effects. Although many of the analyzed studies were not placebo-controlled, the results are so promising that you can recommend on the basis of trazodone therapy in individuals addicted to the SPA.