Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction

Medication with behavioral therapies has been shown to be effective in treating people with a fentanyl addiction.

Medications

Buprenorphine and methadone work by binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain as fentanyl, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Another medicine, naltrexone, blocks opioid receptors and prevents fentanyl from having an effect. People can discuss treatment options with their health provider.

Counseling

Behavioral therapies for addiction to opioids like fentanyl can help people modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use, increase healthy life skills, and help them stick with their medication. Some examples include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps modify the patient’s drug use expectations and behaviors, and effectively manage triggers and stress.
• Contingency Management, which uses a voucher-based system giving patients “points” based on negative drug tests. They can use the points to earn items that encourage healthy living.
• Motivational Interviewing, which is a patient-centered counseling style that addresses a patient’s mixed feelings to change.

These behavioral treatment approaches have proven effective, especially when used along with medicines.