Pharmacotherapies

Pharmacotherapies are drugs (medicines) which are used to reduce the harmful effects from alcohol and other drug use [34324][23505]. Some examples of pharmacotherapies are:

• nicotine replacement therapy
• opioid substitution treatment
• naltrexone
• naloxone
• acamprosate (Campral).

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) provides nicotine in controlled doses in the form of patches or gum to reduce cravings to smoke tobacco [23505]. Overall NRT assists with helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to quit smoking, especially when follow up support is provided [29583][23804]. Other medications are varenicline (Champix) and bupropion.

Opioid substitution treatment (OST) is prescribing drugs such as methadone or buprenorphine to replace opioids such as heroin or pharmaceutical oxycodone [23505]. These drugs work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. They also help to take the person away from the harmful effects of injecting drug use and the drug taking environment.

Naltrexone can be used to help people control their drinking. If people drink alcohol while taking naltrexone, they are still affected (their coordination and memory are affected and they slur their words) but they get less of a high [23505]. Naltrexone is also sometimes used to block the effects of heroin (and other opioids) as part of treatment to support preventing relapse [35303].

Acamprosate may be used as a relapse prevention medication for alcohol dependence after withdrawal, depending on an assessment of the physical and mental health needs of the patient [49439].

See also see specific treatment and support information in the topic sections for alcohol, opioids, cannabis and methamphetamines.