Medications for Addiction Treatment & Recovery

The use of medications in combination with behavioral therapies and counseling to treat addiction is known as Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT for short. MAT is a comprehensive intervention, the goal of which is lasting recovery from addiction. The medications prescribed under MAT programs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are clinically tailored to meet each patient’s needs. 

The medications used in MAT can relieve cravings, decrease the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, and block the pleasurable effect of drugs and alcohols. Meanwhile, the therapy portion can help patients recognize and manage their addictive behaviors, learn coping skills, and address any underlying mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. 

The success of combining prescription medications and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorder has been demonstrated in medical studies.1 Among its benefits, MAT has been shown to increase retention rates in treatment, decrease illicit opiate use and other criminal activity, and improve patient survival.2

Alcohol Addiction Medications

In addition to therapy, several FDA-approved medications are utilized to help treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). These drugs generally work either by decreasing the patient’s cravings for alcohol or causing uncomfortable symptoms in the patient if they drink.

Disulfiram  

Also known by the brand name Antabuse, disulfiram does not manage or lessen the intensity of cravings for alcohol but rather serves as a psychological deterrent to drinking. It does this by producing unpleasant physical symptoms when the user drinks. 

When a person drinks alcohol, the body breaks it down into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that is then converted into acetic acid, which is non-toxic. Disulfiram blocks this conversion, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the bloodstream and unpleasant symptoms. Symptoms include excessive sweating, palpitations, facial flushing, nausea, vertigo, hypotension, and tachycardia, or increased heart rate.3 

Acamprosate  

Acamprosate reduces cravings for alcohol. Also known by its brand name, Campral, acamprosate works by stabilizing chemical signaling in the brains of people who have misused or abused alcohol for years. 

Drinking alcohol for a long time changes the way the brain operates. Acamprosate works by modulating and normalizing the patient’s changes in brain activity due to long-term drinking. This action reduces symptoms of post-acute withdrawal, such as sleep disturbances and mood swings that might trigger relapse.4 It does not prevent the withdrawal symptoms that people may experience when they stop drinking alcohol.5 

Naltrexone  

Naltrexone has been approved by the FDA to treat both AUD and opioid use disorder (OUD). The pill form of naltrexone can be taken daily for AUD and goes by the brand names ReVia and Depade. Naltrexone treatment typically lasts for three to four months, though medical practitioners often continue monitoring patients after they have stopped taking the drug. 

Naltrexone works by binding itself to endorphin receptors in the body, which blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol. It also reduces alcohol cravings, helping the patient maintain sobriety. To avoid strong side effects such as nausea and vomiting, medical practitioners typically do not prescribe naltrexone until the detox process has been completed.6

Opioid Addiction Medications

When opioids like oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl are misused, they often produce a sense of euphoria. The chronic use of these and other opioids can lead to the development of dependence or addiction.1 Fortunately, several FDA-approved medications are available, in conjunction with mental health therapy and counseling, to treat opioid addiction for patients willing to work toward recovery.

Buprenorphine  

Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist. This means that it produces in the user effects similar to opioids, such as euphoria, but only at low to moderate doses. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine is safe and effective as a means of curbing opioid cravings and managing withdrawal symptoms. Common brand names for buprenorphine include Belbuca, Probuphine, and Buprenex. 

OUD patients must not take buprenorphine until 12 to 24 hours after their last use of opioids. Patients with opioids still in their system, or who are not yet in the early stages of withdrawal, could experience acute withdrawal. Once a patient has discontinued or greatly reduced their opioid use, no longer experiences cravings, and has few, if any, side effects, the dose of buprenorphine may be adjusted.7 

Methadone  

Methadone is prescribed to treat OUD as well as for pain management. A long-acting opioid agonist, methadone reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while blocking or greatly reducing the effects of opioids.1 Taken daily, methadone is available in liquid, powder, and injectable forms. Some common brand names for methadone are Diskets, Methadone Intensol, and Methadose.  

Because of its potential for misuse, patients taking methadone to treat OUD receive the medication under the supervision of a medical practitioner. After a period of stability, based on the patient’s progress and proven compliance with the medication dosage, patients may be allowed to take the drug at home between recovery program visits.1  

Naltrexone 

Naltrexone, also known by the brand name Vivitrol, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of both OUD and AUD. While the drug comes in pill form for cases of AUD, naltrexone is administered as a monthly injection for cases of opioid use disorder. 

Naltrexone blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids. It binds and blocks opioid receptors, thus suppressing the craving for opioids. It is recommended that patients wait at least seven to 14 days after their last opioid use before starting naltrexone. There is no potential for abuse with naltrexone making it a very safe and effective medication.6

Yes, insurance should cover some or all the cost of addiction treatment medications while the patient is in rehab. As required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, behavioral health treatment must be covered as an essential health benefit. This includes addiction treatment as well as addiction counseling and therapy. 

Before seeking rehab services, you should contact your insurance plan to ask about coverage of specific addiction treatment services, such as the prescribing of medications in treating AUD and OUD. The admissions team at Empowered Recovery Center can answer any questions you might have about insurance coverage for rehab and even verify your benefits.