Dictionary

Partial agonists are drugs that bind to the same receptors in the brain as full agonists but produce a weaker response. Unlike full agonists, which activate the receptor to its total capacity, partial agonists only activate the receptor to a lesser extent. This means that partial agonists produce a milder effect and are less likely to cause side effects or overdose than full agonists. 

In addiction treatment, partial agonists are sometimes used as a safer alternative to full agonists, as they can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same level of euphoria or reinforcement as full agonists.

One example of a partial agonist used in addiction treatment is buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid use disorder by binding to the exact receptors in the brain as opioids. This helps reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the risk of overdose, making it a valuable tool in managing opioid addiction.