Study for the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Exam with our thorough quiz. Test your knowledge with expertly crafted questions and enhance your understanding of addiction counseling concepts. Prepare effectively for your certification!

Practice this question and more.


LAAM is used as an alternative to which substance for opiate addiction treatment?

  1. Codeine

  2. Oxycodone

  3. Methadone

  4. Heroin

The correct answer is: Methadone

LAAM, or Levo-alpha-acetylmethadol, is utilized in the treatment of opiate addiction as a long-acting alternative to methadone. Both LAAM and methadone serve as maintenance therapies for individuals undergoing treatment for opioid dependence, but LAAM offers certain advantages, such as a longer dosing interval which can improve patient compliance and reduce the number of clinic visits needed. In this context, the similarity between LAAM and methadone is crucial, as both drugs operate on the same principles of receptor activation to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioid dependence. Unlike alternatives such as codeine, oxycodone, and heroin, which do not serve the same role in stable maintenance therapy, LAAM is specifically designed for the treatment regimen similar to that of methadone. Thus, it is appropriate to view LAAM as an alternative to methadone for those seeking effective medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.