How mu opioid receptors work; what happens to them during dependence / addiction; and what causes ordinary and precipitated withdrawal. Explains receptor dynamics, antagonists / agonists (full and partial), binding affinity, downregulation, and related concepts.

Novel, rapid transfer protocols for switching from a full maintenance dose of methadone to buprenorphine in 5 days. With literature cited.

A consideration of some of the most significant drawbacks of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT), informed as always by extensive,...