Medications for Substance Use Disorders

Alcohol withdrawal and drug cravings can be managed with proper support

Medications to manage withdrawal from alcohol and drugs are often used in successful treatment of substance use disorders. Affect’s medical staff works with members to find the right fit to ease their symptoms and cravings as their recovery journeys begin.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and other behavioral therapies, to provide an integrated approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD).

While there is no FDA-approved medication to treat methamphetamine or cocaine use disorder like there is for alcohol, research has shown there are medications that may help reduce your cravings and treat common co-occurring conditions.

The following is a list of medications that our doctors have found to be helpful and effective in providing a support system to reduce drug/alcohol usage and feel better. Affect’s program is designed with the latest scientific evidence and treatment methods that manage Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome for alcohol and stimulants, greatly lowering relapse risk and increases days of sobriety.

Get in contact with us to learn more and discuss your options in a convenient and confidential telehealth meeting.

Medication	Summary	How it works
Naltrexone	Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist and is commonly used to help treat a number of different substance use disorders.	Naltrexone is often prescribed to help people manage drug and alcohol cravings and avoid relapse. Research studies have shown that it can reduce some of the effects of alcohol and stimulants, which in turn may help people reduce their usage.
Acamprosate	Acamprosate is a compound that acts on the central nervous system.	Acamprosate is thought to stabilize chemical signaling in the brain that would otherwise be disrupted by alcohol withdrawal. This can make it easier to avoid alcohol. Research has shown that it helps people reduce and eliminate alcohol usage.
Topiramate	Topiramate is an anti-convulsant used to help reduce seizures.	Though not yet approved by the FDA for this purpose, topiramate shows promise for reducing drinking and cravings. More specifically, topiramate has been shown to reduce heavy drinking – meaning, the consumption of multiple drinks in a way that increase risk for harm.
Carbamazepine	Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant used to help reduce seizures. It also is FDA-approved for trigeminal neuralgia and has evidence for treating bipolar disorder.	Carbamazepine has been shown to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for mild alcohol withdrawal.
Gabapentin	Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used to help reduce seizures and treat other conditions, such as restless legs syndrome (RLS).	While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it may reduce excitatory brain signaling. It has been shown to be an effective treatment for alcohol withdrawal.
Bupropion	Bupropion is an antidepressant.	Research has shown that it reduces both the high associated with drug usage as well as trigger-induced cravings. In combination with Naltrexone, studies have shown that it helps drive lower drug usage and better treatment program participation for some individuals.
Mirtazapine	Mirtazapine is an antidepressant.	Research studies have demonstrated that mirtazapine can increase abstinence and reduce risky behaviors associated with methamphetamine usage.