Rare diseases
Investigational molecules
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Recruiting trials first
4 clinical trials in this condition
Study on Ketamine and Midazolam for Adults with Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder
NorwayOxytocin Nasal Spray for Reducing Cravings and Preventing Relapse in Adults with Substance Use Disorder
ItalyA study to evaluate the effects of rifaximin in patients with opioid use disorder
ItalyStudy on Oxytocin and Sodium Chloride for Preventing Drug Relapse in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder
ItalyIn short
Substance use disorder affects millions of people worldwide, changing how the brain responds to drugs or alcohol and making it difficult to stop using even when harm occurs. While this chronic condition can deeply impact every aspect of life, from relationships to physical health, effective treatments exist that help people regain control and rebuild their lives.
When someone develops a substance use disorder, which is a mental health condition where a person experiences a problematic pattern of substance use affecting their health and quality of life, the primary goals of treatment focus on helping them stop using the substance safely, managing withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and preventing relapse. Treatment is not about simply resisting temptation or showing willpower. Substances change how the brain functions over time by releasing dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good, and the brain begins to crave that feeling even when it causes serious harm.
The approach to treating substance use disorder depends on several factors, including which substance is being used, how severe the disorder is, whether the person has other mental or physical health conditions, and their personal circumstances. What works well for one person may not be the best choice for another. Treatment typically combines multiple approaches rather than relying on just one method. This might include medications to ease physical symptoms, therapy to address thoughts and behaviors, and support to help with work, family, and social challenges.
Medical societies and health organizations have developed evidence-based guidelines that help doctors choose the right treatment options. These guidelines evaluate a patient's clinical needs and match them with the appropriate level of care in the most suitable setting. Treatment can take place in different settings, from outpatient counseling where people visit a clinic regularly while living at home, to residential programs where they stay at a facility, to hospital-based inpatient care for those who need intensive medical supervision.
Standard treatment for substance use disorder typically begins with a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed alcohol and drug counselor. This assessment helps determine the severity of the disorder and identifies any co-occurring mental health conditions that need attention. Blood and urine tests may be used to assess current drug use and monitor progress during treatment, though these tests alone cannot diagnose addiction.
The first step in treatment often involves detoxification, commonly called detox, which helps a person stop taking the addicting substance as quickly and safely as possible. When someone who is physically dependent on a substance stops using it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are unpleasant and can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, difficulty sleeping, muscle cramping, and mood changes. For some people, withdrawal can be managed safely on an outpatient basis, meaning they can stay at home while receiving regular medical check-ups. Others may need admission to a hospital or residential treatment center where medical staff can monitor them closely and provide medication to ease symptoms.
The duration and intensity of detoxification depend on which substance was being used and how long the person has been dependent on it. Some substances produce more severe withdrawal symptoms than others, and attempting to quit certain drugs without medical supervision can be dangerous or even life-threatening.
Several medications have been approved by regulatory agencies to help people recover from substance use disorders. These medications work in different ways depending on the substance involved. For opioid use disorder, which includes addiction to prescription painkillers or illegal drugs like heroin, medications can help ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent the person from using opioids again. These medications do not simply replace one addiction with another; rather, they help stabilize brain chemistry and allow the person to focus on recovery without being overwhelmed by physical symptoms.
For alcohol use disorder, certain medications can help reduce cravings and make drinking less rewarding, which supports the person's commitment to stay sober. Medications for tobacco use disorder help manage nicotine withdrawal and reduce the urge to smoke. These medications are most effective when combined with counseling and behavioral support.
Therapy plays a central role in treating substance use disorder. Behavioral therapy helps people understand their addiction, identify what triggers their urge to use substances, and develop practical skills for managing those triggers. Therapy sessions can take place individually, where one person meets with a counselor, in groups with others who are also in recovery, or with family members to address relationship issues and build a supportive home environment.
During therapy, people learn to recognize the thoughts and situations that lead them to use substances. They practice new ways of coping with stress, anger, sadness, or other difficult emotions without turning to drugs or alcohol. Therapy also addresses underlying issues that may have contributed to substance use, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, or experiences of violence. Understanding these connections helps create a more complete path to recovery.
Effective treatment addresses the whole person, not just their substance use. This means providing support for medical needs, mental health conditions, work-related challenges, housing stability, legal issues, and social connections. Someone recovering from substance use disorder might need help finding employment, repairing relationships with family members, managing financial problems caused by addiction, or dealing with legal consequences of past behavior. Treatment programs that coordinate these various types of support tend to produce better long-term outcomes.
Treatment for substance use disorder is not a quick fix. Because addiction is a chronic condition that changes the brain over time, recovery typically requires long-term commitment. Initial intensive treatment might last weeks or months, but ongoing support often continues for years. Many people benefit from continuing some form of therapy, attending support groups, or maintaining regular check-ins with healthcare providers even after they have stopped using substances. This continued engagement helps prevent relapse and supports lasting recovery.
Like all medical treatments, medications used for substance use disorder can cause side effects. These vary depending on which medication is prescribed and the individual person's response. Common side effects might include nausea, drowsiness, constipation, or changes in mood. Healthcare providers monitor patients closely to balance the benefits of medication against any uncomfortable side effects, and they can often adjust dosages or switch to different medications if problems arise.
Therapy can also be emotionally challenging. Discussing painful memories, acknowledging harmful behaviors, or confronting difficult feelings requires courage and can temporarily increase distress. However, therapists are trained to guide people through this process at a pace that feels manageable, and most people find that the initial discomfort leads to significant relief and improved quality of life over time.
While standard treatments help many people recover from substance use disorder, researchers continue investigating new therapies that might work better, have fewer side effects, or help people who have not responded to existing treatments. These experimental approaches are tested in clinical trials, which are carefully designed research studies that evaluate whether new treatments are safe and effective.
Clinical trials follow a structured process divided into phases. Phase I trials primarily test safety, determining what doses can be used without causing serious harm and identifying any side effects. These trials typically involve a small number of participants. Phase II trials expand the research to more people and begin evaluating whether the treatment actually works to improve the condition. Phase III trials involve even larger groups of participants and compare the new treatment directly to standard treatments already in use, helping determine if the experimental approach offers advantages over existing options.
Research into new treatments for substance use disorder spans many different approaches. Some studies focus on developing new medications that target specific pathways in the brain affected by addiction. Others investigate behavioral interventions that use technology, such as smartphone apps or virtual reality, to deliver therapy in new ways. Still other trials examine combinations of treatments that might work better together than individually.
Participation in clinical trials is voluntary, and not everyone is eligible for every study. Trials have specific criteria about who can participate, often based on factors like the type of substance use disorder, severity of the condition, age, other health conditions, and previous treatments tried. Trials take place at research centers, universities, and hospitals in various locations. Some trials are conducted in multiple countries to gather information from diverse populations.
Information about ongoing clinical trials for substance use disorder is available through various resources. Research institutions, government health agencies, and medical centers maintain databases of active studies seeking participants. Healthcare providers can also help patients learn about trials that might be appropriate for their situation. While the sources provided do not detail specific experimental molecules or therapies currently being tested for substance use disorder, the research landscape continues to evolve as scientists work to better understand addiction and develop more effective interventions.
This guide is here to help you understand the condition. It does not replace a conversation with your doctor, who knows your situation best.
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