Health & daily habits~12 minMedication for addiction treatment
Medications and my recovery
Get clear on your medicines, what they're for and your questions — including medications for addiction treatment.
Medications for opioid and alcohol use disorders are among the most effective treatments available. People who stay on methadone or buprenorphine are far less likely to die of an overdose (Sordo and colleagues in the BMJ). Taking a medicine as prescribed is part of recovery, not a shortcut.
Don't stop or change a medication without talking to your prescriber — some can't be stopped suddenly.
1. My medicines (name — what it's for)
2. If I take, or I'm curious about, a medication for alcohol or opioid use: what I know and what I want to ask
Examples include buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone for opioids, and naltrexone or acamprosate for alcohol.
3. Feelings or worries I have about taking medication — including what others say
4. Side effects to tell my prescriber about
5. How I'll remember to take them and refill on time
6. Where I'll store them safely
Lock up medicines that could be misused, and drop off ones you don't need at a pharmacy take-back.
7. Questions for my next appointment