Medications Used to Treat Drug Addiction

Recovering from drug addiction is often more than an instance of willpower. The body develops a physical need for the drug , and this can cause serious problems when the patient stops using it. In such cases, medication may prove invaluable in treating the condition, both during the initial withdrawal phase and as the patient works to stay clean. Medication isn't a cure-all and must often be combined with therapy and other forms of treatment. Its use also depends on the needs of the individual, as well as the particular drug of addiction.

Methadone

• Methadone is a synthetic opiate, belonging to the same category as heroin, morphine and codeine. Doctors often use it to wean patients off of such drugs. Methadone supplements are given in gradually increasing doses, then the doses are gradually decreased once the drugs are out of the patient's system. However, because methadone is itself an opiate, it may be addicting as well. If the patient isn't careful, he may simply swap one type of drug addiction for another. Because of this, patients should never exceed their allotted dosages, and a physician should monitor closely anyone using methadone to kick a drug habit. Methadone must usually be administered in a treatment center.

Buprenorphine

• Buprenorphine (with brand names such as Subutex) is another opioid used to treat addiction to heroin and morphine. As methadone, it helps cut down on the physical cravings for the drug, while making withdrawal symptoms easier to handle. It has fewer side effects than methadone, and the patient can be weaned off of it more easily when withdrawal is complete. Buprenorphine also benefits from the fact that a doctor can prescribe it for you, allowing you to treat your addiction at home rather than a treatment center.

Tiagabine

• Tiagabine is often prescribed for patients with epilepsy (it reduces the frequency of seizures). In some cases, it can also be used for treatment of cocaine addiction: reducing the symptoms to a tolerable level and keeping cravings under control. Side effects can include numbness, spotting on the skin and an inability to concentrate. Doctors recommend that it be taken with food, and, as always, you should never take it without first consulting your physician.

Anti-Depressants

• Anti-depressants such as Paxil and Prozac don't directly treat the addiction itself. Rather, they provide emotional stability by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. This helps stem the turbulent feelings that often accompany drug withdrawal and may lead the patient back to drugs if left untreated. Anti-depressants work best in conjunction with therapy and, like many other medications, should only be taken with a doctor's prescription. The doctor should know if the patient is taking any other medication as well, since certain types of medication can react badly with the anti-depressants.

Disulfiram

• Disulfiram, otherwise known as Antabuse, is often prescribed to alcoholics. Rather than addressing withdrawal symptoms, it interacts with alcohol placed in the body, causing vomiting, nausea and similar side effects. The patient's body thus learns to associate alcohol consumption with unpleasant feelings, making it easier to wean the patient off of the booze. Side effects can include stomach cramps, numbness in the extremities and mood swings. It is available only by prescription.