Treatment approaches

Opioid use disorder

Methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone reduce illicit use and the risk of overdose death.¹

Alcohol use disorder

Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are FDA-approved and non-addictive.²

Nicotine

Nicotine replacement, varenicline, and bupropion.

Stimulants, cannabis, gambling

No FDA-approved medication yet; behavioral treatment is the mainstay.³

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Identifies triggers and thinking patterns and builds coping skills. Used across substances and gambling.⁴

Motivational interviewing

Helps people explore and strengthen their own reasons for change.

Contingency management

Provides incentives for verified progress; strongly supported for stimulants.³

Family and couples therapy

Involves loved ones in recovery and improves communication.

Outpatient

Regular appointments while living at home — the most common form of treatment.

Intensive outpatient / partial hospitalization

Several hours a day, several days a week.

Residential

Living at a treatment facility for a period, with structured daily care.

Withdrawal management (detox)

Medically supported withdrawal; a first step, not complete treatment.

Mutual-help groups such as AA, NA, SMART Recovery, and Gamblers Anonymous are free and widely available. Evidence for AA and twelve-step facilitation is strong for alcohol use disorder.⁵ Harm reduction — naloxone, sterile supplies, drug checking, and other services — keeps people safer and alive whether or not they are ready to stop.

• Offers or refers to FDA-approved medications where relevant
• Licensed, credentialed staff and individualized plans
• Treats co-occurring mental health conditions
• Respectful, non-confrontational, and involves family where wanted
• Plans for ongoing support after a program ends