agonist therapy
Treatment using medications that activate the same brain receptors as the substance of abuse but in a controlled, therapeutic manner.
Full Definition
Agonist therapy is a pharmacological treatment approach that uses medications which bind to and activate the same receptors in the brain as the substance being treated, but in a controlled and medically supervised manner. In opioid addiction treatment, agonist medications like methadone and buprenorphine activate opioid receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while allowing normal functioning. This approach differs from antagonist therapy, which blocks receptors, and from detoxification, which aims for complete abstinence. Agonist therapy is considered a form of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness in reducing illicit drug use and improving treatment retention.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from 'antagonist therapy' which has the opposite mechanism of action.
In Context
- "The physician explained that agonist therapy would help stabilize the client's opioid use disorder without causing intoxication." — Medical consultation note
- "Research supports the effectiveness of agonist therapy in reducing overdose deaths and criminal activity." — Evidence-based practice review