Medications for Substance Use Disorders

Alcohol withdrawal and drug cravings can be managed with proper support

Medications often help in treating withdrawal or cravings as people stop using drugs or alcohol and begin their recovery journey. Affect’s medical staff works with our members to understand each person’s individual needs and to prescribe medication when appropriate.

Medications are used in combination with counseling and behavioral treatments in an integrated approach to treatment of substance use disorders. Known to some as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), this “whole-patient” approach can be very effective in helping people sustain recovery.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved multiple medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The physical withdrawal of a heavy drinker who stops suddenly can be fatal. Medically supervised withdrawal management may be necessary as the body processes toxins, a process often referred to as “detox.”

There is no FDA-approved medication to treat stimulant use disorders or cannabis/marijuana use disorder like there is for alcohol, but some medications are effective in managing withdrawal or cravings from marijuana, meth, cocaine, and prescription drugs.

Aside from physical withdrawal, most people will experience Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) when recovering from both alcohol and stimulants. Certain medications can reduce the risk of relapse and make people more comfortable if they experience depression, anxiety, or other effects. This helps while the brain regains the clarity needed to make progress through counseling and behavioral treatments.

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 or alcohol usage and help people feel better as they start their recovery journeys.

In addition to the medications below, Affect’s medical providers may prescribe other medications that can help with the symptoms you’re experiencing, especially during withdrawal.

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 a neuromodulator that helps people increase their sober days and decrease the amount they drink.
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.