Medication-Assisted Treatment

There are three types of medication used to treat opioid addiction. They all help reduce cravings and can be used in conjunction with behavioral treatments to help people stop abusing prescription painkillers or heroin.

Methadone

Dolophine, Methadose

Methadone activates opioid receptors in the brain, fully replacing the effect of whichever opioid the person is addicted to.

Buprenorphine

Suboxone, Subutex, Probuphine

Buprenorphine activates opioid receptors in the brain, partially replacing the effect of whichever opioid the person is addicted to.

Naltrexone

Vivitrol

Naltrexone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the effects of opioids.