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Levo-Alpha Acetyl Methadol (LAAM). Its advantages and drawbacks
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
|January 23, 1998
Summary
Levo-Alpha Acetyl Methadol (LAAM) offers an alternative opiate addiction therapy to methadone, requiring fewer clinic visits. While effective, initial patient anxiety with LAAM necessitates increased counseling compared to methadone.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Methadone is a common treatment for opiate addiction.
- Levo-Alpha Acetyl Methadol (LAAM) is an alternative medication therapy.
- LAAM offers a less frequent dosing schedule than methadone.
Observation:
- LAAM is administered three times weekly, reducing clinic visits.
- LAAM blocks opiate effects and prevents withdrawal without causing a subjective high.
- Patients may experience initial anxiety with LAAM due to unfamiliarity, requiring enhanced counseling.
Findings:
- LAAM provides an even, stable effect preferred by some clients after adjustment.
- Fewer clinic visits can increase patient acceptance of LAAM.
- Case studies illustrate LAAM's advantages and drawbacks in opiate addiction treatment.
Implications:
- LAAM presents a viable alternative for opiate addiction treatment programs.
- Understanding patient adjustment and counseling needs is crucial for LAAM implementation.
- LAAM's dosing schedule may improve treatment adherence and patient satisfaction.