How Does Medication Help With Alcohol and Opioid Cravings?

Struggling with addiction is hard, and getting help should not be. Medication can be one part of recovery for many people, and it is now possible to start that conversation from home. Here is how medications for alcohol and opioid use disorder work, what to know before starting, and how to get support today.

What is medication-assisted treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), also called medication for addiction treatment, combines FDA-approved medication with counseling and behavioral support. Medication does not replace recovery work. It helps make that work possible by easing cravings and, depending on the medication, reducing withdrawal or blocking the effects of a substance.

MAT is supported by research and widely used in clinics and rehab programs. For alcohol and opioid use disorder, studies show that people who use medication alongside counseling are more likely to stay in treatment and less likely to relapse than those who do not.

How do medications help with cravings?

Different medications work in different ways. Common FDA-approved options include:

• Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors in the brain. This can reduce the rewarding effect of alcohol and block the effects of opioids, which lowers cravings and the urge to drink or use. It is approved for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.
• Acamprosate helps the brain return to balance after stopping alcohol and is used for alcohol use disorder.
• Disulfiram causes an unpleasant reaction if you drink alcohol, and is used for alcohol use disorder.
• Buprenorphine and methadone treat opioid use disorder by easing cravings and withdrawal. They are controlled substances and have specific prescribing rules.

Which medication is right depends on the substance, your health, other medications you take, and your goals.

What should you know before starting naltrexone?

• Opioids must be out of your system. Naltrexone can cause sudden, severe withdrawal if you have opioids in your body. People usually need to be opioid-free for 7 to 10 days first, and providers confirm this before starting.
• It blocks opioid pain medication. Tell every provider you see that you take it, especially before surgery or dental work.
• Your liver matters. Your provider will check your liver before and during treatment.
• Side effects can occur. Common ones include nausea, headache, dizziness, and trouble sleeping.

Is it safe to stop drinking on your own?

Not always. Stopping alcohol suddenly after heavy, regular use can cause dangerous withdrawal, including seizures. If you drink heavily every day, talk with a provider before you cut back or stop, and seek emergency care if you have seizures, confusion, or severe shaking.

Can you get addiction treatment through telehealth?

Yes. Telehealth can make it easier to start care privately and without travel, and research suggests outcomes can be comparable to in-person care for many people. It is not right for everyone. Some situations need in-person care, such as severe withdrawal, serious medical or mental health conditions, or unsafe living situations. Your provider will tell you if you need a higher level of care.

How do you get started with DrWell?

DrWell offers SmartConsults for addiction and behavioral support. Use the Provider Finder to find a provider in your area who specializes in addiction care, and they will review your history and talk through your options. Your provider will decide whether medication is appropriate and which one.

Need help right now?

If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988. For free, confidential help finding treatment, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, available 24 hours a day. In an emergency, call 911.