What Medications Are Used for Addiction Recovery?

Medication can play an important role in addiction recovery, especially for people struggling with opioid or alcohol use disorders. When used correctly, FDA-approved medications can reduce cravings, stabilize the brain, and make recovery safer and more achievable. To explore treatment options beyond medication, you can learn more about our drug addiction treatment program in Massachusetts.

Many people are unsure whether medication is right for them. Others are confused about which medications work, how they help, and what “MAT” (Medication-Assisted Treatment) actually means.

To see how medication fits into the broader addiction treatment process, you can also read our guide on the most effective treatment approaches for addiction.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication-Assisted Treatment combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT is not a replacement for therapy. Instead, it supports recovery by easing the physical symptoms that can make early sobriety difficult.

Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that MAT improves retention in treatment and reduces the risk of relapse. For opioid addiction, MAT has been shown to reduce overdose risk and improve long-term stability.

MAT is most commonly used for:

• Opioid use disorder (OUD)
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD)

Each medication has a specific purpose, and not every medication works for every person. A clinical assessment can help determine what is safe and appropriate.

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder affects the brain’s reward system, making cravings and withdrawal extremely difficult without support. Several medications can help people stabilize safely and reduce the risk of relapse.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is one of the most effective medications for opioid addiction. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings while helping the brain regain balance. Buprenorphine can be prescribed in outpatient settings, which makes it accessible for many people.

Common forms include:

• Suboxone (buprenorphine + naloxone)
• Subutex (buprenorphine only)

Research shows that people receiving buprenorphine or methadone are up to 76% less likely to experience an overdose than those who receive no medication support.

Methadone

Methadone is a long-acting medication that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is effective but highly regulated. Unlike buprenorphine, methadone is only available through licensed opioid treatment programs.

Massachusetts Center for Addiction does not offer methadone onsite, but it is an important medication for some individuals and may be used through specialized clinics. Many people who begin treatment with methadone later transition into outpatient therapy, counseling, or aftercare programs.

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder

Naltrexone works differently from buprenorphine or methadone. Instead of easing withdrawal, it blocks the effects of opioids. This helps prevent relapse but must be started after detox. The extended-release injectable form (Vivitrol) is given once a month and can be helpful for people who prefer a non-opioid option.

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder affects both the brain and the body, and withdrawal can be dangerous without support. Several medications can help people reduce cravings, maintain sobriety, and stabilize their recovery.

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder

Naltrexone reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol and helps control cravings. It can be taken as a daily pill or a monthly injection. Research shows that naltrexone improves abstinence rates and reduces heavy drinking episodes.

Acamprosate

Acamprosate helps the brain restore balance after long-term alcohol use. It is most effective for people who have already stopped drinking and want help maintaining sobriety. It reduces post-acute withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, or restlessness.

Disulfiram

Disulfiram affects how the body processes alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking it leads to unpleasant symptoms. It is not for everyone, but it may help people who want a strong deterrent and have reliable support at home.

Medications for Cravings and Withdrawal Support

Some medications are not FDA-approved specifically for addiction treatment but are commonly used to support recovery. These medications address anxiety, sleep issues, and physical symptoms that occur during withdrawal or early sobriety.

Gabapentin

Gabapentin may help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and ease cravings in early recovery. It is sometimes used during alcohol or opioid withdrawal, but only when clinically appropriate.

Clonidine

Clonidine helps ease withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, sweating, muscle aches, and anxiety. It does not treat addiction directly, but can make early recovery more manageable.

Hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine is a non-addictive medication used for anxiety and sleep support. It can help people manage restlessness or anxious thoughts during early treatment.

Non-addictive Sleep Medications

Many people struggle with sleep during early recovery. Medications like trazodone or specific OTC sleep aids may be used short-term when appropriate. Improving sleep can reduce relapse risk and improve mental clarity.

MAT Myths and Misconceptions

Misunderstandings about MAT can prevent people from getting the help they need. One common myth is that using medication “replaces one addiction with another.” In reality, MAT stabilizes brain chemistry so people can participate fully in therapy, make meaningful changes, and build long-term recovery skills. Medications prescribed in MAT do not create the same “high” as illicit opioids or alcohol. Instead, they support the brain’s healing process and help people regain control over cravings and withdrawal.

Another misconception is that MAT is only for people with severe addiction. The truth is that MAT can be helpful at many stages of recovery, especially when cravings or withdrawal symptoms make early sobriety unsafe or overwhelming. MAT can also reduce the risk of overdose, particularly during the first months of recovery when relapse risk is highest.

Some people also worry that MAT is a lifelong commitment. For many, MAT is temporary and used only as long as clinically appropriate. Others may benefit from longer use based on their medical history and recovery goals. Treatment plans are individualized, and medication decisions are always made with medical supervision.

MAT is medically supervised, safe, and effective when used correctly. It supports recovery — it does not interfere with it. When combined with counseling, skill-building, and supportive environments, MAT helps people move through recovery with greater stability, confidence, and safety.

Who Is a Good Candidate for MAT?

MAT is appropriate for many people with opioid or alcohol use disorder, but it is not right for everyone. A clinical assessment can help determine the safest approach.

MAT may be recommended if you:

• Experience strong cravings
• Have tried to stop on your own but relapsed
• Have withdrawal symptoms that feel overwhelming
• Are managing both mental health and substance use concerns
• Need extra support stabilizing brain chemistry

If you are unsure whether medication is appropriate, speaking with a licensed professional is the best way to understand your options.

Choosing the Right MAT Program in Massachusetts

The best MAT program is one that provides medical care, counseling, and ongoing support. MAT works best as part of a broader treatment plan that includes therapy, relapse-prevention work, and a safe environment at home or in sober living.

Massachusetts Center for Addiction offers evidence-based therapy, individualized treatment planning, and connections to trusted community partners. If medication is appropriate, we help you explore your options and integrate them into your overall approach to recovery.

Treatment decisions should be made with support, not pressure. Recovery becomes more manageable when you have a team that understands your needs and respects your choices.