Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

In detox treatment for heroin addiction, what is a frequently used medication?

1. Buprenorphine

2. Methadone

3. Naloxone

4. Clonidine

The correct answer is: Methadone

Methadone is a frequently used medication in detox treatment for heroin addiction. It is a long-acting opioid agonist that helps in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioid dependence, providing a more stable and controlled transition off heroin. By managing these symptoms, methadone allows individuals to engage more effectively in treatment programs, thereby increasing the chances of successful recovery. In detox processes, methadone can be administered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan; it helps to minimize the discomfort associated with withdrawal and reduces the risk of relapse. Its prolonged action ensures that patients maintain a level of the medication in their system, which can ease the cravings that typically lead to continued heroin use. The other medications listed serve different roles. Buprenorphine is also used in treatment but often in maintenance therapy rather than initial detoxification. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist commonly used in emergencies to reverse opioid overdose. Clonidine can help with some withdrawal symptoms, but it is not as commonly used specifically for heroin detox compared to methadone.