MAT for Alcohol: Medications That Support Recovery

Medication for alcohol use disorder includes naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram for appropriate patients. How it pairs with counseling and detox safety.

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Key takeaway

MAT for alcohol means FDA-approved medicines for alcohol use disorder such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram when clinically appropriate. They work best with counseling and do not replace medical detox when withdrawal is dangerous. Call or text (800) 653-9376 for help finding programs that offer alcohol medications.

Last updated: Wed Oct 07 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Alcohol medicines are underused. NIAAA treats them as standard tools alongside counseling. They are not a moral shortcut and not a reason to skip dangerous withdrawal care.

Call 911 for severe alcohol withdrawal. Call or text 988 for a crisis.

The usual options

Naltrexone (oral or monthly injection) to reduce rewarding effects and craving for many patients
Acamprosate to support abstinence after stopping
Disulfiram for selected patients who want a deterrent and can use it safely

See alcohol hub and /treatment-types/mat/.

Detox first when needed

Heavy daily drinking can make sudden stops dangerous. Alcohol detox comes before some medicine starts.

Next step

Ask a clinician which medicine fits your liver, kidneys, and goals. Call or text (800) 653-9376. We are a referral helpline, not a pharmacy.

Call or text (800) 653-9376 when you want alcohol treatment that includes medication options.

Additional Resources

Sources cited on this page:

Common Questions

What medicines are used for alcohol use disorder?

NIAAA and FDA materials describe naltrexone (oral and injectable), acamprosate, and disulfiram for selected patients. A clinician chooses.

Can I start these during detox?

Timing depends on the medicine and your withdrawal status. Detox safety comes first for heavy drinkers.

Is MAT for alcohol the same as Suboxone?

No. Those are different medicine classes for different disorders. See MAT treatment-types for the umbrella.

Do I still need counseling?

Medicines work best with behavioral support for many people.

How do I find prescribers?

Primary care, addiction clinics, FindTreatment.gov, and call or text (800) 653-9376.