Which two substance use disorders have medications that are FDA approved to treat them?

Which two substance use disorders have medications that are FDA approved to treat them?

• A. Cannabis Use Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder
• B. Stimulant Use Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder
• C. Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder
• D. Opioid Use Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder

Answer: (C)

Not all substance use disorders have FDA-approved medications to treat them, but two do. Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder both have approved medicines to support treatment. For Alcohol Use Disorder, medications like naltrexone (oral or injectable) help reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol and cravings; acamprosate supports abstinence by stabilizing brain signals related to withdrawal and craving; disulfiram creates an aversive reaction to alcohol to deter drinking. These are used alongside counseling and recovery support. For Opioid Use Disorder, methadone, buprenorphine (often with naloxone), and extended-release naltrexone are approved. Methadone and buprenorphine reduce withdrawal and cravings and normalize function, while naltrexone blocks opioid effects after detox. These meds are part of a broader treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support. Cannabis Use Disorder and Stimulant Use Disorder currently do not have FDA-approved medications specifically for treating the disorder itself, so treatment focuses on behavioral therapies and support, with some meds used for symptom relief or co-occurring conditions as advised by clinicians.

Not all substance use disorders have FDA-approved medications to treat them, but two do. Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder both have approved medicines to support treatment.

For Alcohol Use Disorder, medications like naltrexone (oral or injectable) help reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol and cravings; acamprosate supports abstinence by stabilizing brain signals related to withdrawal and craving; disulfiram creates an aversive reaction to alcohol to deter drinking. These are used alongside counseling and recovery support.

For Opioid Use Disorder, methadone, buprenorphine (often with naloxone), and extended-release naltrexone are approved. Methadone and buprenorphine reduce withdrawal and cravings and normalize function, while naltrexone blocks opioid effects after detox. These meds are part of a broader treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.

Cannabis Use Disorder and Stimulant Use Disorder currently do not have FDA-approved medications specifically for treating the disorder itself, so treatment focuses on behavioral therapies and support, with some meds used for symptom relief or co-occurring conditions as advised by clinicians.