Addiction Recovery Medications

About

Addiction Recovery Medications Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders (SUDs) uses FDA-approved drugs to ease withdrawal, curb cravings and block drug effects. These medications are always combined with counseling for a “whole-patient” approach. Studies show that adding medications greatly improves survival and treatment retention, and lowers illicit drug use. Below we list common medications by addiction type, their brand names, and how they work. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Medications Medications for OUD include: Methadone (e.g. Dolophine, Methadose) – a long-acting full opioid agonist given daily in clinics. It satisfies physical dependence and prevents withdrawal/craving. Methadone “normalizes brain chemistry” by activating opioid receptors more safely than illicit use. Buprenorphine (e.g. Subutex†, Suboxone† [buprenorphine + naloxone], Zubsolv, Sublocade, Probuphine) – a partial opioid agonist. It eases withdrawal and reduces craving but has a ceiling effect that makes overdose less likely than full agonists. Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film) is widely used; monthly injectable (Sublocade) and implant (Probuphine) forms also exist. Naltrexone – an opioid antagonist . (Brands: oral Revia®; injectable Vivitrol®.) It blocks opioid receptors so that alcohol or opioids produce no “high,” which cuts craving. Extended-release injections given monthly are common once patients are detoxed. Naloxone – an opioid antagonist used for overdose reversal (Narcan® nasal spray). Not a long-term recovery drug, but it is essential emergency medication: it quickly reverses opioid overdose by restoring breathing. Clonidine (Catapres) and lofexidine (Lucemyra) – non-opioid medications that ease symptoms of opioid withdrawal (anxiety, rapid heartbeat) by dampening sympathetic outflow. They do not block cravings or produce euphoria; they are used short-term during detox. These three FDA-approved OUD medications – methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone – “he