Concept

Medications

HE A LTH EDUC A TION H E A L T H 1 0 0 V E R S I O N 3 / Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction

"Medications can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and treat co-occurring conditions. During detoxification, medications help suppress withdrawal symptoms. Patients can also use medications to help re-establish normal brain function and decrease cravings. Medications are available for opioid, tobacco, and alcohol addiction, while scientists are developing other medications to treat stimulant and cannabis addiction. People who use more than one drug need treatment for all of the substances they use. Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are used to treat opioid addiction. Methadone and buprenorphine suppress withdrawal symptoms and relieve cravings, while naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids and should be used only in patients who have already been detoxified. Nicotine replacement therapies include the patch, spray, gum, and lozenges, and bupropion and varenicline are prescription medications for nicotine addiction. Three medications approved for treating alcohol addiction are naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram; topiramate has also shown promise in clinical trials. Other medications are available to treat mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety that may contribute to addiction. Medications are more effective when combined with behavioral treatments."

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Medications | HE A LTH EDUC A TION H E A L T H 1 0 0 V E R S I O N 3 | Bifalgorithm | Bifalgorithm