What is the most common class of medications used to treat opioid addiction?

The most common class of medications used to treat opioid addiction is opioid agonists. Opioid agonists work by stimulating the same receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, but they do so in a controlled way that helps to suppress cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same level of euphoria associated with illicit opioid use. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine fall into this category, offering a critical approach in the treatment of opioid use disorder by allowing individuals to manage their addiction while minimizing the risks associated with opioid misuse.

Other classes of medications, such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and stimulants, are not specifically indicated for the treatment of opioid addiction. While they may be used in certain situations to manage co-occurring conditions or symptoms, they do not address the underlying opioid dependence in the way that opioid agonists do. Thus, opioid agonists remain the cornerstone of medication-assisted treatment for those dealing with opioid addiction.