Mind Healing & Wellness Center

Medications for Alcohol & Stimulant Use Disorders

Certain medications can make it easier to reduce or stop alcohol or stimulant use by easing withdrawal, lowering cravings, and supporting long term change as part of a broader recovery plan.

Evidence-based treatment
Craving support
Outpatient care
  • Helps reduce cravings and relapse risk for some alcohol and stimulant use disorders.
  • Best used alongside counseling and other recovery supports.
  • Provided in a confidential, outpatient setting.
Ask About Medication Options Or call (508) 344-7530 to speak with our team

Is this service right for you?

Medications for alcohol and stimulant use disorders may help if you are trying to change your use and find that cravings, withdrawal, or repeated relapses are getting in the way.

Common reasons people choose this service

  • You want to cut back or stop drinking and find cravings difficult to manage.
  • You have had periods of sobriety but struggle to maintain them over time.
  • You use stimulants and want medical support to manage withdrawal or co-occurring symptoms.
  • You want a plan that acknowledges how hard change can be and does not rely on willpower alone.

What to expect with medication support

We focus on safety, education, and a plan that fits real life, not an ideal situation.

1

Evaluation & goal setting

Your provider reviews your alcohol or stimulant use, other substances, health history, and goals. You talk through whether medication might help and what changes feel realistic right now.

2

Medication start and monitoring

If appropriate, you start medication with clear instructions. Early follow up focuses on cravings, side effects, and safety while you adjust and build new routines.

3

Ongoing recovery support

As things stabilize, visits shift to maintaining progress, planning for high risk situations, and coordinating with therapy, support groups, or other services.

How medication can support change

Medication is one tool among many. It can help lower the intensity of cravings and symptoms so you can focus on the rest of your life and recovery work.

Medications we may use

Options depend on your history and current health.

  • Naltrexone to help reduce alcohol cravings
  • Acamprosate to support alcohol abstinence for some people
  • Other medications to support withdrawal and co-occurring symptoms
  • Careful review of all current prescriptions and supplements

Possible benefits

Many people describe feeling more able to follow through on their goals.

  • Lower intensity or frequency of cravings
  • Support with withdrawal and early recovery symptoms
  • Improved sleep, mood, and focus as use decreases
  • More stability for relationships, work, and daily life

Our approach

We treat substance use as a health issue, not a character flaw.

  • Non-judgmental and harm reduction informed
  • Transparent about risks and benefits of each option
  • Collaborative decision making at every step
  • Respect for your pace and your definition of success

Frequently asked questions

Here are a few questions people often ask before starting medications for alcohol or stimulant use disorders.

It depends on the specific medication and your health. Some medications require a period of abstinence first, while others can be started while you are cutting back. Your provider will walk through what is safest and most effective for you.
There are no medications that cure stimulant use disorder, but we may use medications to help manage withdrawal, sleep, mood, or other symptoms that can make recovery harder. We also focus on therapy and skills-based support alongside medical care.
Yes. Medication support often works best when combined with recovery programs, therapy, peer support, or mutual help groups. We can coordinate with your existing supports if you give us permission.

Explore support for alcohol or stimulant use

If alcohol or stimulants are taking up more space in your life than you want, you are not alone. Share a bit about your situation and we can help you explore medication and non-medication options.

Complete our intake form Call (508) 344-7530
Medically Reviewed By
Grace Mbuya, PMHNP-BC
Chief Operations Officer & PMHNP Manager / Head Nurse Practitioner
Mind Healing & Wellness Center — Worcester & Northborough, MA
Reviewed: January 2025
Grace oversees psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and integrated treatment planning for adults dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and substance use treatment.