How Do Medications Treat Opioid Addiction?

 

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.

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
Buprenorphine is the first medication to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) that can be prescribed or dispensed in physician offices, significantly increasing access to treatment.

Naltrexone
Non-addictive opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of other narcotics; daily pill or monthly injection. Administered in a healthcare provider's office.

Decisions in Recovery Tool
Learn about tools that help you and your health provider make a recovery plan. 

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