LAAM, or levo-alpha-acetyl-methadol, is a
synthetic opioid used in the treatment of opioid
addiction. Approved in 1993 by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration, LAAM is considered
to be similar to methadone in its effects,
which include analgesia, sedation and respiratory
depression. LAAM is indicated for use in the
treatment and maintenance of opioid dependence,
most often when patients don’t benefit
from other replacement therapies such as methadone
and buprenorphine. Because of its long-acting
formula, LAAM is taken 2-3 times per week,
whereas methadone is a daily treatment. Doses
are administered in approved medical facilities
and take-home doses are prohibited under federal
regulations. It works by creating a cross-tolerance
to other opiates, blocking the euphoric effects
and controlling drug cravings.
LAAMSUBSTITUTION THERAPY
FOR OPIATE DEPENDENCE
Narcotic maintenance therapy, or substitution
therapy, came about in the late 1960s to early
1970s in response to escalating use of heroin.
Interest in expanding available programs was
heightened when cases of HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis
and hepatitis skyrocketed among intravenous
drug users who shared needles. Many experts
believe that providing maintenance therapies
will help to curb problems associated with
drug use, including crime, disease, unemployment,
child neglect and homelessness.
LAAM ADDICTION/WARNINGS/SIDE
EFFECTS
LAAM can be highly addictive and is considered
a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S.
The federal Drug Enforcement Agency classifies
drugs based on their potential to be habit-forming
and to lead to abuse. Tolerance and dependence
can set in quickly with repeated use. This
makes LAAM susceptible to illicit use and diversion.
It is dangerous - potentially fatal- to mix
LAAM with drugs like benzodiazepines, alcohol,
sleeping pills, antidepressants or other opiates.
Mixing pills can lead to sedation, drowsiness,
unconsciousness and death. Side effects when
used as prescribed could include body aches,
flu-like symptoms, hot flashes, abdominal pain,
constipation, dry mouth, diarrhea, vomiting,
nausea, abnormal dreams, anxiety, depression,
headaches, insomnia, rash, sweating and blurred
vision.
LAAM WITHDRAWAL AND
TREATMENT FOR OPIATE ADDICTION
Opiate addiction is a chronic problem with
a high rate of relapse. Using an opiate to
treat an opiate addiction may work for some,
but is not effective for everyone. Detoxing
from narcotics can cause extreme anxiety and
severe withdrawal symptoms if not approached
properly. Withdrawal symptoms associated with
opiate addiction include cramps, spasms, diarrhea,
yawning, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, cold
sweats, aches, agitation, anxiety, insomnia
and nightmares. Medically-supervised detox
programs are often recommended to help wean
users from dangerous opiates. Rapid detox programs
have also been gaining ground in recent years,
treating opiate addiction quickly, while eliminating
the painful withdrawal phase.
Get LAAM Help
Now
Call
us today to discuss how the Waismann Method
can free you from your LAAM dependency
and get your life back -
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
After-hours
and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
