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Medications for substance use disorders have proven to be crucial and even life-saving. They can significantly reduce mortality rates associated with opioid addiction. However, despite the availability of effective medications, only about 25% of individuals who could benefit from these treatments are actually prescribed them. Alarmingly, after six months of treatment, about half of these patients cease using their prescribed medications.
The need for a wider array of medications to treat substance use disorders is apparent. Currently, there are only three primary options for opioid addiction. Expanding this repertoire, including combinations of medications, is essential to help patients maintain their treatment and achieve lasting recovery.