Which of the following treatments is effective for opioid dependence?

Buprenorphine and naloxone are an effective treatment for opioid dependence. This combination works as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) strategy aimed at supporting individuals in their recovery from opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it can partially stimulate the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, but to a lesser extent. This property helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the full opioid effect, reducing the risk of misuse.

Naloxone is included to prevent misuse of the medication. If someone tries to take the formulation improperly, naloxone will block the effects of opioids, thereby discouraging this behavior. This dual-action approach effectively helps individuals maintain recovery and engage in psychosocial treatments, making it a comprehensive solution for managing opioid dependence.

On the other hand, bromocriptine, varenicline, and lithium are not effective treatments for opioid dependence. Bromocriptine is primarily used for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and hyperprolactinemia, rather than addiction treatments. Varenicline is designed for smoking cessation and does not address opioid addiction. Lithium is used mainly for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder and does not have a role in treating opioid dependence.