In the United States, there are 48.5 million people struggling with substance use disorders, in the past year. While there are effective treatments, such as Suboxone, for those with opioid addiction, there are some substance use disorders that have no medication treatment options currently available.

One of these is methamphetamine addiction. Currently the typical treatment involves counseling which can be very helpful but for many medication treatment may provide additional help on the journey to recovery.

A new study recently completed found that a combination of extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) and extended-release oral bupropion was associated with a significant decrease in methamphetamine use.

While still being researched, this combination of medications may offer the first FDA approved medication treatment regimen for methamphetamine addiction within the next few years.

For a link to this study abstract go to onlinelibrary.wiley.com and enter the following into the search bar: Extended observation of reduced methamphetamine use with combined naltrexone plus bupropion in the ADAPT-2 trial

Another promising approach to the treatment of substance use disorders involves research into the development of medication for acute and chronic pain that does not contain any opiate medication. This new medication may offer pain relief without the risk of addiction. This new medication blocks the pain signal from ever reaching the brain via blocking the sodium channels in nerves. This results in the nerve cells being unable to transmit pain sensation messages to the brain. This new medication is called suzetrigine. The FDA will be reviewing this medication this year for administrative approval.
For a link to this study article go to New Pain Medication Suzetrigine Prevents Pain Signals from Reaching Brain | Scientific American.