Substance Use Disorder Medication:
Everything You Need to Know

Learn about the vital role that substance use disorder medication plays in recovery, improving well-being, and fostering long-term healing.

March 24, 2025

An Overview of Substance Use Disorder Medication

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition that affects both the mind and body, making recovery a journey that goes far beyond willpower alone.¹

Healing requires addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction.

While therapy, holistic practices, and lifestyle changes are essential, substance use disorder medication can be a powerful tool in supporting long-term recovery—especially during the initial stages of healing.

At New Life Recovery, we believe in treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of addiction. Our approach integrates Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to create a comprehensive path to wellness and sobriety.

When used as part of an individualized treatment plan, medication helps manage cravings, stabilize brain chemistry, and reduce the risk of relapse, making the recovery process more accessible and sustainable.

Why is Substance Use Disorder Medication Important?

In 2021, approximately 46.3 million people in the U.S. struggled with a substance use disorder, yet many did not seek the care needed—only emphasizing the need for widespread support and awareness.²

Too often, stigmas prevent individuals from pursuing the support they need for recovery.

Despite its proven effectiveness, medication in addiction treatment is often misunderstood. Many people mistakenly believe that taking medication simply replaces one substance with another.

In reality, MAT regulates the brain’s reward system, providing the chance to break free from the cycle of addiction and rebuild their lives.

At New Life Recovery, we are dedicated to breaking down the misconceptions surrounding medication-assisted treatment and recovery. By offering evidence-based care rooted in compassion and whole-person healing, we help clients rediscover how to love their lives.

How Substance Use Disorder Medication Supports Recovery

Research shows that MAT can reduce opioid overdose deaths by 50%.³ By helping to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, medication gives people the stability they need to engage in therapy, rebuild their lives, and stay on the path to recovery.

When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, substance use disorder medication can provide essential support in several key ways. These include reducing cravings and withdrawals, stabilizing brain chemistry, enhancing the efficacy of behavioral therapies, lowering the risk of relapse, and more.

Reducing Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms

Substance use disorder medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone help reduce the intensity of cravings and alleviate painful withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to engage fully in their recovery journey without the constant distraction of physical discomfort.

Stabilizing Brain Chemistry and Improving Mental Health

Prolonged substance misuse can disrupt the brain’s natural balance of dopamine and other neurotransmitters.⁴

Certain medications restore this balance in ways critical to maintaining long-term recovery, such as:

Improving mood
Emotional regulation
Cognitive function

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Behavioral Therapies

By alleviating cravings and emotional distress, substance use disorder medication allows individuals to be more present and receptive during therapy sessions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

This helps clients process trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms, ultimately creating a sustainable foundation for recovery.

Lowering the Risk of Returning to SUD

MAT has been shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of individuals falling back into cycles of SUD, particularly for opioid and alcohol use disorders. This support helps clients maintain consistency as they rewire their brain’s reward pathways.

Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

Many individuals with SUD also experience co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Medications can stabilize these underlying issues, creating a solid foundation for long-term recovery.

Common Medications for Treating Substance Use Disorders

Medications used to treat substance use disorder are carefully selected based on the individual’s needs, substance type, and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Combined with therapy and holistic care, these medications can help clients stabilize, heal, and rebuild their lives.

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Medications for OUD are among the most researched and effective options in addiction treatment.⁵ They work by reducing cravings, blocking the effects of opioids, or easing withdrawal symptoms:

Methadone

Methadone helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by activating opioid receptors at a controlled level without producing a high.

Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade)

A partial opioid agonist suppresses cravings and withdrawal symptoms while limiting the risk of misuse.

Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

Naltrexone is a non-addictive medication that blocks the euphoric effects of opioids, reducing the likelihood of returning to opioid use.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Medications for AUD support recovery by reducing the urge to drink and helping the brain recover from the effects of alcohol dependence:⁶

Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Disulfiram creates unpleasant physical reactions, like nausea and headaches, when alcohol is consumed, which acts as a deterrent.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone works by blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol, making drinking less appealing.

Acamprosate (Campral)

Acamprosate helps restore brain chemistry and reduce alcohol cravings, especially during early recovery.

Stimulant Use Disorder (Cocaine, Methamphetamine)

Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for stimulant use disorder.⁷

However, emerging research supports the use of off-label medications to help manage cravings and co-occurring symptoms:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Bupropion medications are antidepressants that may reduce cravings for stimulants and improve mood.

Mirtazapine (Remeron)

Mirtazapine helps with sleep disturbances and anxiety. Both of these are common in early stimulant recovery.

Modafinil

Modafinil is a medication used to treat narcolepsy that may help improve cognitive function and reduce stimulant cravings.

Benzodiazepine Dependence

Benzodiazepine dependence requires a carefully monitored tapering process to avoid dangerous withdrawal symptoms:

Tapering Strategies: Gradual dose reduction under medical supervision helps the brain adjust to lower levels of the medication over time
Alternative Medications: Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and other non-addictive medications may be used to manage anxiety and insomnia during withdrawal

Importance of a Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Substance use disorder medication alone isn’t a cure for substance use disorder. True healing comes from addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction.

A comprehensive treatment plan combines medication, therapy, and holistic care to create a well-rounded approach that supports lasting recovery.

Combining Medication with Therapy and Counseling

While medication plays a critical role in stabilizing brain chemistry, combining it with behavioral therapies helps individuals:

Understand the root causes of addiction
Develop coping skills to manage triggers
Rebuild relationships and create a support system
Address co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma

Evidence shows that medication works best when paired with therapies like CBT, DBT, and trauma-focused care. This allows clients to heal both body and mind.

Individualized Treatment Approaches Based

Every person’s recovery journey is unique. That’s why New Life Recovery creates personalized treatment plans that consider:

Substance type and severity
Medical history and mental health conditions
Personal goals and values
Readiness for change

Whether a client needs medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder or non-medication approaches for stimulant recovery, our Fresno, California team works closely to design a care plan that fits their unique needs.

How New Life Recovery Integrates Medication with Holistic Care

At New Life Recovery, we believe learning to love your life naturally is key to long-term recovery. Our comprehensive treatment model blends:

Medication management to stabilize cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Evidence-based therapies to process trauma and rewire thought patterns
Holistic practices like yoga, sauna, and massage therapy to reconnect the mind, body, and spirit
Nutritional counseling to restore physical health

Addressing Concerns About Medication-Assisted Treatment

At New Life Recovery, we believe in breaking down stigma and providing accurate information to empower individuals on their journey to healing.

Safety and Effectiveness of FDA-Approved Medications

All medications used in MAT are FDA-approved and backed by decades of research. These medications are carefully prescribed and monitored by medical professionals to ensure:

Appropriate dosage and duration
Minimized side effects
Safe management of withdrawal symptoms
Consistent progress toward long-term recovery

When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, MAT can significantly improve outcomes—helping people stay in treatment longer and reduce the risk of relapse.

Difference Between Medication Support and Substitution

Medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone work by stabilizing brain chemistry, allowing individuals to function without the intense highs and cravings experienced with substance misuse.

Specifically, MAT helps:

Restore normal brain function
Provide relief from physical withdrawal symptoms
Create a foundation for emotional and behavioral healing

It’s not about substitution. It’s about giving individuals the stability they need to fully engage in therapy, reconnect with themselves, and build a life they truly love.

How MAT Reduces Relapse Risk and Improves Long-Term Outcomes

Studies consistently show that MAT:

Reduces opioid-related deaths by more than 50%
Improves treatment retention rates
Lowers the risk of relapse
Supports long-term sobriety when combined with therapy and holistic care

Behavioral Therapies that Complement Medication

At New Life Recovery, we believe that true healing goes beyond addressing substance use alone. While medication helps stabilize brain chemistry, holistic and behavioral therapies play a vital role in rebuilding the mind, body, and spirit—creating a more balanced, sustainable recovery journey.

Evidence-Based Therapies

Therapy provides the emotional foundation needed to understand addiction, process trauma, and build healthier coping mechanisms.

Our approach integrates:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Restructuring negative thought patterns to promote healthier behaviors and emotional regulation.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Teaching mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance for managing difficult emotions.
Trauma-informed care: Addressing underlying trauma that may contribute to substance use with compassion and sensitivity.

These therapies work alongside medication to strengthen emotional resilience and reduce the risk of relapse.

Mindfulness and Body-Based Practices

Healing the mind means reconnecting with the body.

We encourage clients to explore practices that promote inner calm and self-awareness, including:

Mindfulness and meditation, cultivating presence and reducing anxiety
Yoga therapy, combining physical movement with breathwork to support mental clarity.
Breathwork, activating the body’s natural relaxation response.

These holistic tools improve mental health and activate the brain’s natural reward pathways. This significantly helps clients rediscover authentic pleasure without leaning on substances.

Lifestyle and Nutritional Support

Recovery isn’t just about stopping substance use—it’s about learning to love life again.

Our comprehensive care model includes:

Nutritional Support: guides individuals on how to make balanced meals that support brain health and emotional stability.
Fitness therapy: encouraging physical movement as a natural mood booster.
Creative expression: art, music, and outdoor activities to help individuals reconnect with their passions.

By integrating medication with holistic care, we empower each person to rebuild their life from the inside out—creating a recovery experience that’s not just about surviving, but thriving.

Accessing Substance Use Disorder Medication

At New Life Recovery, we provide personalized, compassionate care that meets each individual wherever they are on their recovery journey.

Our MAT services are carefully integrated into a comprehensive care model that offers both structure and flexibility to support your long-term healing.

Inpatient Detox and Stabilization

For many, the first step toward recovery begins with detoxification: a critical phase where the body clears substances from the system.

Our inpatient detox program provides:

24/7 medical supervision to ensure safety and comfort during withdrawal
FDA-approved medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and stabilize brain chemistry
A calm, supportive environment where clients can focus solely on their healing

By combining medical care with emotional support, we help clients take those first vital steps toward stability with dignity.

Outpatient Medication Management and Follow-Up Care

Recovery doesn’t stop after detox. It’s an ongoing journey.

Knowing this, we have designed our outpatient services to provide:

Medication management to maintain stability and reduce cravings.
Regular check-ins with licensed providers to adjust dosages and monitor progress.
Individual and group therapy sessions to address emotional and behavioral needs alongside medication support.

This flexible step-down approach allows clients to stay connected to care while gradually rebuilding their independence.

Ongoing Support for Sustained Recovery

Sustained recovery is about building a life you feel is worth preserving and growing.

Our long-term support services include:

Peer recovery coaching and alumni groups
Holistic therapies like yoga, mindfulness, and nutritional counseling
Personalized relapse prevention plans that help clients navigate real-life challenges

Why Choose New Life Recovery?

At New Life Recovery, we believe that healing happens when compassion meets clinical excellence. Our whole-person, individualized medication-assisted treatment program supports each client’s unique recovery journey by blending science, care, and whole-person wellness to create lasting change.

Experienced Medical and Psychiatric Team

Our team of experienced medical providers, psychiatrists, and addiction specialists collaborates to deliver safe, effective medication management.

With a deep understanding of both substance use disorders and mental health, we create personalized treatment plans that prioritize each client’s physical and emotional well-being.

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Approach

We know that every person’s path to recovery is different.

That’s why we offer:

FDA-approved medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
A judgment-free, supportive environment that empowers clients to embrace recovery at their own pace
Trauma-informed care that addresses the root causes of addiction

Our approach is always evidence-based, but never one-size-fits-all because healing is as unique as the individuals we serve.

Ready to Start Your New LIfe?

Medication is just one piece of the puzzle. Our holistic treatment model integrates:

Behavioral therapies like CBT, DBT, and EMDR.
Mindfulness practices, yoga, and nutritional counseling.
Community connection through peer support groups and alumni programs.

By treating the mind, body, and spirit together, we help clients rediscover a life they truly love—authentically and sustainably.

At New Life Recovery, we believe that every step toward healing matters—and we walk alongside our clients every step of the way. Reach out to us online today or give us a call at 559-374-0500.

Resources

Substance Use Disorders

Comprehensive Guide to Substance Use Disorder Programs: Your Path to Recovery

April 18, 2025

Substance Use Disorder Therapy in Fresno: Healing the Body & Mind

April 16, 2025

Trauma Healing Through Mindfulness: A Path to Lasting Recovery

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Substance Use Disorder Medication: Everything You Need to Know

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