How Do Medications Treat Opioid Addiction?

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  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including opioid treatment programs (OTPs), combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders.

Medications to Treat Opioid Addiction
There are three medications commonly used to treat opioid addiction. Check with your doctor on the right one for you.

Decisions in Recovery Tool
Web-based tool helps people living with opioid use disorder (OUD) compare treatment options and discuss their preferences with a provider.

Methadone
Clinic-based opioid agonist that does not block other narcotics while preventing withdrawal while taking it; daily liquid dispensed only in specialty regulated opioid treatment clinics

Buprenorphine
Office-based opioid agonist/antagonist that blocks other narcotics while reducing withdrawal risk; daily dissolving tablet, cheek film, or 6-month implant under the skin.

Naltrexone
Office-based non-addictive opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of other narcotics; daily pill or monthly injection.