Do not stop alcohol or benzodiazepines suddenly without medical advice. After heavy or long use, stopping all at once can cause seizures and other dangerous withdrawal effects, and it can be deadly. Talk to a doctor first. If someone has a seizure, severe confusion or is seeing things that are not there, call 911.
What is medication for addiction?
Medication for addiction, often called MAT, means using medicines approved by the FDA along with counseling and support. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says these medicines are treatments backed by research, and that they do not just swap one drug for another.
A doctor decides which medicine, if any, is right for a person. People should talk to their doctor before stopping one.
Medicines for opioid use disorder
- Buprenorphine
- Eases withdrawal and cravings. It can be prescribed in a regular doctor's office, as well as at opioid treatment programs. Since the end of 2022, clinicians no longer need a special federal waiver to prescribe it. It comes as a film or tablet, and as a shot given monthly or weekly.
- Methadone
- Eases withdrawal and cravings. For opioid use disorder, it is only given at certified opioid treatment programs. People usually visit the clinic often at first. Some can take doses at home after a period of stable treatment.
- Naltrexone
- Blocks the effects of opioids. For opioid use disorder, it is a shot given once a month. A person needs to stop opioids for about 7 to 14 days before starting it.
Overdose risk: after a period without opioids, such as after detox, a stay in jail or a hospital, or stopping naltrexone, the body can no longer handle the amount it used to. Using the same amount as before can cause an overdose. Keep naloxone nearby.
Federal law requires every state Medicaid program to cover medications for opioid use disorder. On our listings, look for "Medication for addiction (MAT)." A listing may also say a program accepts people who already take one of these medicines.
Medicines for alcohol use disorder
- Naltrexone
- A daily pill or a monthly shot. It can reduce cravings and how much a person drinks.
- Acamprosate
- A pill that can make it easier to stay away from alcohol after stopping.
- Disulfiram
- A pill that causes unpleasant effects if the person drinks alcohol.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says these medicines are not addictive, and that a primary care doctor can prescribe them. SAMHSA says they work best for people who also take part in a treatment program.
Naloxone can stop an opioid overdose
Naloxone (Narcan is one brand) is a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose, including from fentanyl, heroin and prescription pain pills. It can bring back normal breathing within a few minutes.
- Where to get it: naloxone nasal spray is sold over the counter, without a prescription, at pharmacies and many other stores. You can also get it from many health departments and community naloxone programs.
- It is safe: naloxone will not harm someone who is not having an opioid overdose. Anyone can give it. You do not need medical training.
- Keep it close: if someone you love uses opioids, keep naloxone at home, in the car or in a bag, and show others where it is.
How to respond to an overdose
Signs include: not waking up, slow or no breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, tiny pupils, a limp body, cold and clammy skin, and blue or gray lips or nails.
- Call 911.
- Give naloxone. For the nasal spray, put the tip in one nostril and press the plunger.
- If breathing does not return to normal in 2 to 3 minutes, give another dose if you have one.
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing. Lay them on their side to prevent choking.
- Stay with them until help arrives. Naloxone can wear off, so they still need emergency care, even if they wake up.
Good Samaritan laws: most states have laws that may protect a person who is overdosing, or the person who called for help, from some legal trouble. The details are different in each state.
More help
- See crisis help for 911, 988 and other free lines.
- Find opioid treatment programs with the SAMHSA opioid treatment program directory, or on FindTreatment.gov.
- Use our twelve questions to ask a program about medication.
Sources
- SAMHSA: Treatment options for substance use disorders
- SAMHSA: Buprenorphine
- SAMHSA: Methadone
- SAMHSA: Naltrexone
- SAMHSA: Waiver elimination (MAT Act)
- FDA: New buprenorphine treatment option approved
- NIAAA: Treatment for alcohol problems
- FDA: First over the counter naloxone nasal spray approved
- FDA: Boxed warning on benzodiazepines
- CDC: Lifesaving naloxone
- CDC: 5 things to know about naloxone
- CDC: What to do if you think someone is overdosing
- MedlinePlus: Alcohol withdrawal
- Congressional Research Service: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, Medicaid and Medicare provisions