Medications and Devices

Different medications are used in different stages of treatment. These stages include:

Treating withdrawal

A patient can experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they first stop using drugs. Medications can be used to reduce these symptoms, making it easier to stop drug use.

Staying in treatment

Some medications and devices are used to help the brain adapt to the absence of a drug. They act slowly to prevent cravings, and can help patients focus on counseling and other therapies.

Preventing relapse

Stress cues and contact with drugs are the most common triggers for relapse. Therapies have been developed to interfere with triggers and help patients stay in recovery.

Now, click on each image below to reveal common medications used to treat drug addiction and withdrawal.

Opioids

  • Methadone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Extended-release naltrexone
  • Lofexidine

Alcohol

  • Naltrexone
  • Disulfiram
  • Acamprosate

Nicotine

  • Nicotine replacement therapies (a patch, inhaler, or gum)
  • Bupropion
  • Varenicline

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