Opioid dependence is a problem of national concern, especially with dramatically 
increased rates of abuse and dependence of prescription opioids. The current 
article provides an up-to-date review of the literature on opioid dependence 
treatment, with a focus on conclusions drawn by experts in the field (e.g., 
Cochrane reviews and meta-analyses) and methodologically rigorous studies (e.g., 
randomized controlled trials). We describe the major classes of drug treatments 
available, including opioid agonist (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, LAAM), 
antagonist (e.g., naltrexone) and non-opioid pharmacotherapies (e.g., alpha2 
adrenergic agonists). These treatments are discussed in the context of 
detoxification and long term treatment options such as abstinence-based and 
maintenance strategies. We review the state of the literature as to prevention 
of opioid overdose and discuss the widespread problem of comorbidity among 
opioid-dependent populations. We also focus prominently on evidence for 
inclusion of psychosocial approaches in treatment regimens, either as 
stand-alone or in conjunction with psychopharmacological options.