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What Medications are Used in Addiction Treatment?

Addiction is a chronic, lifelong condition that can completely disrupt a person’s life. While it is possible to treat addiction and maintain lifelong sobriety, achieving initial sobriety without outside help and intervention from medical professionals is extremely difficult, and also lessens a person’s chances of success. Because addiction is such a chronic and serious disease, treating the disorder requires a holistic, integrated, and multi-pronged approach from a team of qualified medical professionals and therapists.

Therapy, both group and individual, and aftercare support are adequate for addressing the root causes of addiction, and the various mental and emotional issues that trigger drug abuse. Using prescription medications during the detox and rehab timeline can also significantly reduce a person’s chances of relapse, and medications can even reverse, prevent, and lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, psychiatric medications are also needed to alleviate symptoms that can trigger drug or alcohol use in vulnerable patients. While medications can come with certain risks of their own, using them to treat addiction is still a highly effective way to help patients through the often painful withdrawal process and avoid relapse.

Why do people often need medical assistance for detox and withdrawal?

Drugs and alcohol will rewire the brain’s risk and reward neural pathways. When someone starts abusing a substance, the chemical compounds in the drug will directly impact the way the brain functions. In substance use disorder, a person’s body and brain have become so used to having the substance, that the person is unable to function without it. When someone stops taking drugs or alcohol when they are dependent and addicted, they will experience a range of painful and distressing withdrawal symptoms as their body attempts to rid itself of toxins and return to a natural state of equilibrium.

Withdrawal symptoms can be both psychologically and physically distressing. In severe cases, withdrawals can also be dangerous. For example, people who have been addicted to alcohol for a long time may experience a condition called delirium tremens, or DT, when they attempt to quit drinking. DT is a seizure disorder that can be life-threatening. Also, painful withdrawal symptoms can influence someone to retake drugs or start taking a replacement drug to get some relief from their pain.

When it comes to using medications to treat drug addiction, medicines can do several things to help someone achieve and maintain sobriety. The exact way that prescription medications work to influence the withdrawal and detox process can vary significantly. But in all, these medications are used to either target and treat precise detox symptoms, or to prevent cravings for drugs. Some medicines may also be used to counteract the high from a medication. The medications are intended to help restore the body’s natural equilibrium and give patients relief from distressing and painful withdrawal symptoms that can increase their chances of relapsing or experiencing other dangerous issues, like delirium tremens.

When it comes to treating drug abuse and addiction, many people are understandably fearful of the pain they will feel when they attempt to detox from drugs. Knowing that a rehab center uses medications to treat and address symptoms can positively impact someone to seek treatment and achieve sobriety.

What medications are typically used to treat addiction?

Medications that are commonly used to treat addiction include the following:

Naltrexone or Vivitrol
Buprenorphine, Suboxone, and Methadone
Disulfiram or Antabuse
Acamprosate or Campral

Modafinil or Provigil
Bupropion or Wellbutrin/Zyban
Gabapentin or Neurontin
Mirtazapine or Remeron

Topiramate or Topamax
Baclofen or Lioresal
Vigabatrin or Sabril

Some of the most well-known medications that are used during addiction treatment are Naltrexone or Buprenorphine. These prescriptions are an integral part of the fight against opioid addiction and abuse. Drugs like opioids are some of the most addictive in existence. Treatment can be especially tricky for recovering addicts because opioid withdrawals come with long-term and severe cravings to use. Unfortunately, opioids are the drug most responsible for overdoses and deaths. Drugs like Naltrexone and Buprenorphine can help prevent cravings and also block the effects of opioids if someone relapses.

How do they work?

Although drug addiction and abuse impact a person’s entire life – from their physical health, to their behavior, thoughts, and feelings, addiction starts and ends in the brain. Here’s how different medications work to treat addiction:

Naltrexone: Blocks opioid receptors, reducing cravings and preventing euphoria if opioids are taken. Vivitrol is its injectable, extended-release version for treating alcohol addiction.
Methadone and Buprenorphine (Suboxone): Inhibit opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone, part of Suboxone, also reverses opioid effects, useful in overdose treatment.
Acamprosate (Campral): Maintains chemical balance in the brain, preventing over-excitation during alcohol withdrawal and avoiding severe withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens.
Off-Label Medications: Include muscle relaxants like Baclofen, anticonvulsants like Gabapentin, and other drugs like Modafinil for cocaine withdrawal. These medications help manage withdrawal symptoms and promote sobriety.

Medication	Primary Use	Mechanism	Effects and Notes
Naltrexone	Opioid, Alcohol	Blocks opioid receptors	Reduces cravings, blocks euphoria if relapsed, daily or injectable form (Vivitrol)
Methadone	Opioid	Activates opioid receptors to a lesser degree	Manages withdrawal symptoms and cravings
Naloxone	Opioid overdose	Reverses opioid effects	Used to treat overdoses
Suboxone (Buprenorphine + Naloxone)	Opioid	Partial agonist, inhibits and reverses opioid effects	Lessens cravings, manages withdrawal symptoms
Acamprosate (Campral)	Alcohol	Maintains chemical brain balance	Prevents over-excitation during withdrawal, prevents delirium tremens
Baclofen	Off-label	Muscle relaxant	Reduces tremors and muscle spasms during detox
Gabapentin	Off-label	Anticonvulsant	Used during detox
Topamax (Topiramate)	Off-label	Reduces alcohol cravings	Manages anxiety and depression
Modafinil	Off-label (Cocaine withdrawal)	Initially for narcolepsy	Assists with cocaine withdrawals, used off-label

Are they dangerous?

No substance is 100% safe, including legal, prescription medications for drug addiction. For one thing, drugs that are used to treat addiction must be administered under strict guidelines and with doctor supervision because these drugs can cause a range of issues if misused. Naltrexone, for example, can’t be used until someone has fully detoxed from opioids. Taking NNaltrexone before the body has had a chance to detox can lead to very harsh and powerful withdrawal side effects.

Naltrexone is considered to be the safest and most effective treatment for opioid abuse because it is easy to use, and also comes with minimal side effects and risk of dependence. Naltrexone works by completely blocking the activation of the brain’s opioid receptors, which is why it is called an opioid antagonist. But medicines like buprenorphine are considered partial opioid agonists, so they only partially activate the brain’s opioid receptors. Both of these drugs have a low rate of abuse. However, some medication used to treat opioid addiction do come with a potential risk for abuse and addiction.

People will sometimes abuse these drugs because they can produce a slight euphoria in users who are not used to taking potent opioids like heroin or OxyContin. People who are addicted to heroin may also obtain medications like Suboxone to prevent painful withdrawals. While this isn’t necessarily dangerous, it is still considered illicit use of the drug.

Administering medications for addiction treatment under professional supervision is crucial for several reasons:

Risk of Abuse and Misuse: Many of the medications used in addiction treatment have the potential for abuse. Professional oversight ensures that the medications are used appropriately and reduces the risk of dependency on the treatment medications themselves.
Monitoring and Adjusting Dosages: Healthcare professionals can tailor the dosage to the individual’s needs and monitor their response to the medication. This personalized approach helps in managing side effects and adjusting the treatment plan as necessary.
Managing Interactions with Other Substances: Certain prescription medications can interact poorly with other substances and medications. A professional can evaluate all medications a patient is taking to prevent harmful interactions.
Ensuring Adherence to Treatment Plans: Consistent and correct use of medication is critical for effective treatment. Professionals can provide support and accountability to help patients adhere to their treatment plans.
Comprehensive Care: Treating addiction and drug abuse requires an integrated treatment plan that includes not only medication but also therapy and support services. Professionals can coordinate care to address all aspects of a patient’s recovery.

Treating addiction and drug abuse requires an integrated treatment plan and access to a team of doctors and therapists. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use disorder, Mission Harbor Behavioral Health can help. Please contact Mission Harbor today to learn more about our treatment programs.

What are the benefits of using medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?

MAT can offer several benefits to those struggling with addiction, including:

Reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Lowered risk of relapse
Increased ability to function in daily life
Decreased risk of overdose and death
Improved physical and mental health

MAT is most effective when combined with other forms of treatment, such as therapy and counseling. This approach addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, providing a comprehensive foundation for recovery.

How can I find out if MAT is right for me?

If you’re considering MAT as part of your addiction treatment plan, the first step is to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in addiction medicine. They can assess your individual needs, medical history, and current situation to determine if MAT is a suitable option for you.

Additionally, it’s important to discuss your treatment goals, preferences, and any concerns you may have with your healthcare provider. Open communication will ensure that you receive the most appropriate and personalized care possible.

The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.