Which substance is typically used in the treatment of opioid addiction?

Naloxone is considered a cornerstone in the management of opioid addiction because it serves as an opioid antagonist. This means that it effectively blocks the effects of opioids at their receptor sites in the brain, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is often used in emergency situations to counteract life-threatening respiratory depression that can occur due to opioid overdose.

Additionally, in the context of treatment for opioid use disorder, medications like buprenorphine and methadone, which are used in maintenance therapy, often incorporate naloxone to deter misuse. When naloxone is combined with buprenorphine, for instance, it helps mitigate the risk of abuse of these medications.

Other substances mentioned do not play a role in the treatment of opioid addiction. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, caffeine is a stimulant that does not address addiction treatment, and ketamine, while studied for various mental health disorders, is not a primary treatment for opioid addiction. Therefore, naloxone's role in reversing overdoses and potential use in treatment scenarios makes it the correct choice for addressing opioid addiction.