Short answer: Three medications are FDA-approved to treat opioid use disorder: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Each works differently, but all are most effective when combined with counseling and structured treatment rather than used alone.
- Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are the three medications approved by the FDA for opioid use disorder.
- Methadone and buprenorphine reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings by acting on opioid receptors.
- Naltrexone works differently, blocking opioid receptors so opioids cannot produce their usual effect.
- Medication is most effective as part of a full treatment plan that includes therapy and support.
- The right medication, if any, depends on someone’s history, health, and treatment goals.
- This approach is often called medication-assisted treatment, or MAT.
The Three FDA-Approved Medications for Opioid Treatment
| Medication | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Methadone | A long-acting opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal without producing the same high, dispensed through licensed clinics. |
| Buprenorphine | A partial opioid agonist that eases withdrawal and cravings with a lower risk profile, often prescribed as Suboxone. |
| Naltrexone | An opioid blocker that prevents opioids from producing their effect, used after detox is complete. |
Why Medication Alone Is Not the Full Answer
Medications for opioid use disorder are proven to reduce overdose risk and support long-term recovery, but they work best as one part of a broader treatment plan. Medication can stabilize the physical side of addiction, while therapy addresses the underlying reasons someone turned to opioids in the first place.
This combined approach, often called medication-assisted treatment or MAT, has strong support in addiction research precisely because it treats both the biology and the psychology of addiction together.
How Liberty Approaches Opioid Treatment
At Liberty, opioid treatment starts with a safe medical detox, where our clinical team evaluates whether medication support makes sense for your situation. From there, clients move into our 60-day opioid addiction treatment program, which combines any needed medication management with trauma-informed therapy.
Whether the opioid involved is fentanyl, prescription pain medication, or heroin, our team builds a treatment plan around the individual, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Right for You?
Not everyone needs medication as part of their recovery, and that decision should be made with a clinical team that knows your full history. What matters most is finding a treatment plan that gives you the best chance at lasting recovery, whether that includes medication or not.
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My experience was something I can not put into words. I am grateful for this opportunity to be sober and a new possibility for life.
Martin Stevens
Liberty saved my life. The peer support team that they have is phenomenal especially Shain. Miranda, Oaklee, and Whitney are the best case managers. They are superstars always putting the... read more
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I had a great experience at Liberty. The staff was genuinely helpful and engaging. I recommend this program to anyone seeing recovery for the first time or coming... read more
Sarah
I really enjoyed the staff here they helped me tremendously. I recommend it to anyone.Bryce, Miranda,Oaklee, Whitney Thanks for the opportunity and encouragement.
Andrew Baker
The 'Bryce Assignments' truly changed my life. The peer support staff went above and beyond, and the empathy I received from Shayne humbled me and changed my way of thinking.... read more
Jennie Sisneros
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I've been to residential 22 times and Liberty helped me in ways that no other program ever could. Shain (peer support) saved my life on my first day when I... read more
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Liberty is a great place to find recovery. I just completed their residential treatment and have only fantastic things to say. They helped me to understand and find the person... read more
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Bryce Miranda and Oakley are my favorite!
KnowinAC Zimmerpost
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Had a great experience! They really care for there clients highly recommended going here
Zach Richardson
I was hesitant about doing residential treatment until I found liberty and it was such a great experience and learned a lot about myself and how to overcome my shame... read more
Matt Thompson
My experience with Liberty was Amazing! I learned to love myself & now feel as though I have self worth. The house & the staff are so great and on... read more
Julie Gammon
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The program and the staff have been just what I needed to heal from my alcoholism. The staff is engaged and truly care. The program has been unique... read more
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The best IOP EVER !!!! BETTER THEN VALLEY BEHAVIOR HEALTH
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Excellent staff and counselors, mcall is my favorite and George is the best at making you feel at home and loved
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Macall is the best this place wouldn't run without her really she does more then anyone
Calvin Richards
Was very nice to me they took me in under their wing like if I was a bird of a feather and so this experience has been the best experience... read more
Sober Kayden
I came to Liberty from Wasatch Crest and I was truly amazed when I came here. I came in with a chronic bad attitude, and I was cold, but the... read more
Neve Glasser
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I had the best experience while at liberty. Liberty helped change my life for the better. I can't explain how loving and caring the staff and clinicians are. When people... read more
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Best treatment center I've been too. All the staff are super nice. Its a center that is passionate about what they do. The clinicians are invested for the care... read more
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Professional staff and they go beyond and over, definitely it’s a calling for them. Would definitely recommend it.
Mike Mwingirwa
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This is an absolutely amazing rehab I recommend it
Chrystal Farrar
নিজে থেকে নেশামুক্ত জীবন গড়়ার লক্ষ্য নিয়ে NA program করতে হবে, তবেই সুস্থ্য থাকা সম্ভব।
S K Ranjan Dolan (দোলন)
This place is truly amazing! I have gained structure, changed my destructive, toxic thoughts, beliefs and habits into positive healthy ones, and now have such a supportive and loving new... read more
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I didn’t think I needed treatment until I came through this program. It helped me learn that it wasn’t just my addiction I needed to work on. I learned the... read more
Suzanne Hopkins
I want to thank Liberty for providing me the space and support to begin my process of recovery and healing. This was my first time in treatment, and for those... read more
Nick Wright
Liberty is by far the best treatment facility I've been to. I've been to 3 counting them. They just care... like really care. It's feels like a home. Unfortunately... read more
FuhQ_69
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I was able to come here and get the treatment I needed for starting my recovery in a safe place. The staff helped me along with the owners to help... read more
Joseph Renwick
When I first came to liberty I was so depressed and lost. I was more lost then I realized and didn't know how to fix the damage I caused from... read more
Austin Nicholas
I cannot be more grateful for Liberty Addiction. I just graduated their Residential program and it is absolutely serene the changes I have gone through and the confidence I have... read more
Alyssa Moore
Opioid Treatment Built Around You
Liberty offers medical detox and a 60-day residential program in American Fork. Liberty accepts Medicaid and most Utah insurance plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medications are used in opioid treatment?
The three FDA-approved medications are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Each works differently, and the right choice depends on individual health history and treatment goals.
Is methadone or buprenorphine better?
Neither is universally better. Methadone is dispensed through licensed clinics and can be a strong option for more severe dependence, while buprenorphine can often be prescribed more flexibly with a lower risk profile.
Do I have to take medication to recover from opioid addiction?
No. Medication is one option, not a requirement. Many people recover successfully with therapy and structured treatment alone, while others benefit from medication support.
How long do people stay on opioid addiction medications?
This varies widely by individual. Some people use medication for a defined period during early recovery, while others continue longer-term under medical supervision.
Is medication-assisted treatment considered trading one addiction for another?
No. When properly prescribed and monitored by a medical provider, these medications do not produce the same high as opioid misuse and are considered an evidence-based part of recovery, not a replacement addiction.
Does Liberty offer medication-assisted treatment?
Liberty evaluates each client’s history during medical detox to determine whether medication support fits their treatment plan, combined with trauma-informed therapy throughout our 60-day residential program.
