NCJ Number
161633
Date Published
1995
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video describes drug treatment for opiate addiction through the use of the substitute drug LAAM (Levo Alpha AcetylMethadol Hydrochloride) and compares such treatment with Methadone maintenance treatment.
Abstract
Patients, ex-patients, and treatment staff describe the characteristics and impact of LAAM treatment, noting where it differs from methadone treatment. LAAM suppresses withdrawal symptoms for persons who have stopped using opiates, so that they are able to function normally and without the pain and craving associated with withdrawal from opiate addiction. The distinctive characteristics of LAAM are its lack of a sedative effect, in contrast to methadone, and its longer duration of impact (48 to 72 hours) compared to methadone (24 hours). Patients who have been on both methadone and LAAM describe their preference for LAAM. Using visual animation, the video explains how LAAM works in the body to achieve its effects. Also discussed are the history of LAAM's development and testing that led to FDA approval for its use in drug treatment in 1993, how to introduce patients to LAAM treatment, and the characteristics of those who are good candidates for LAAM treatment.