Addiction to opioids causes major medical, social, and economic problems to both the individual and society. Opioid dependence is defined as a strong desire to use the substance, difficulty in controlling its use, the presence of a physiological withdrawal state, tolerance of the use of the drug, neglect of alternative pleasures and interests and persistent use of the drug, despite harm to oneself and others. It is a complex disease involving physiological, psychological, genetic, behavioral and environmental factors.


Suboxone is a medication available for the treatment of opioid dependence that can be prescribed in a doctor’s office by specially trained and licensed physicians.