Can Medication Treat Cocaine Use Disorder?

Cocaine use disorder remains a serious public health problem in the United States, and it’s becoming more dangerous. Fentanyl contamination of the cocaine supply has driven a rise in cocaine-involved overdose deaths in recent years, adding urgency to the already pressing need for effective treatment options.

Despite decades of research, no medication has been FDA-approved specifically for cocaine use disorder. Behavioral therapies like contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy have strong track records of being effective, but the absence of a pharmacological option limits what clinicians can offer, particularly for people who haven’t responded well to therapy. Researchers are working to change that, with several promising medications currently in clinical trials and growing investment in the field.

What Medications May Be Helpful For Cocaine Use Disorder?

There are currently no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of stimulant use disorder, including cocaine use disorder. Over the past few decades, researchers have investigated pharmacologic treatments for cocaine addiction, but none have met the requirements for FDA approval, which requires efficacy to be demonstrated in at least two adequately powered, randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

Several medications have shown enough promise in clinical research to be used off-label or studied further. Clinical trials are ongoing for novel pharmacotherapies, and in March 2025, Oakland-based biotechnology company Tempero Bio raised $70 million to advance a medication into mid-stage testing for alcohol and cocaine use disorders.

Medications that have shown some promise in existing research include:

• Baclofen: a GABA agonist and muscle relaxant that may help reduce cocaine cravings
• Topiramate: a GABA agonist and anticonvulsant that may ease agitation and help prevent relapse in early recovery
• Modafinil: a prescription stimulant that can help address fatigue and sleep disruption common during cocaine withdrawal
• Disulfiram: originally developed for alcohol dependence, this medication has shown potential for reducing cocaine use in some clinical trials
• Extended-release dextroamphetamine: currently being studied in clinical trials as a potential treatment for moderate to severe cocaine use disorder, though still experimental and not FDA-approved

The research landscape is moving faster than it has in previous years, and medications that effectively target cocaine use disorder may become available within the coming decade.

Medication For Cocaine Withdrawal

Cocaine withdrawal is not generally life-threatening. But in some cases, symptoms can become distressing for the person detoxing, or potentially dangerous. Under those circumstances, detox professionals working within a medical detox program or another clinical setting might administer medications targeted to treat specific symptoms. 

One example is the beta-blocker propranolol, which can be helpful for treating anxiety, restlessness, hypertension, and chest pain.

Is Methadone Used For Treating Cocaine Use Disorder?

Methadone is an opioid agonist that is FDA-approved for treating opioid use disorder; it is not used for treating cocaine addiction. The same is also true for the partial agonist opioid buprenorphine. Methadone maintenance, or medication-assisted treatment (MAT), may be recommended for someone who has both cocaine and opiate dependence. 

MAT may also work to treat cocaine and alcohol abuse. 

What Are The Benefits Of Medication For Cocaine Use Disorder?

Cocaine is an addictive drug that can be difficult to quit alone if you’ve been using it regularly for a long period. This is in part due to drug cravings. Some pharmacological treatments have been shown to help reduce cravings associated with chronic cocaine abuse.

Medication may also be helpful for those who haven’t had success with psychosocial treatments (e.g. behavioral therapy) or who lack access to that form of care.

What Is The Best Treatment For Cocaine Addiction?

An effective treatment plan for cocaine use disorder will generally involve psychosocial treatments, along with treatment for any co-occurring substance use or mental health disorders.

Recommended treatments include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• contingency management (CM)
• therapeutic communities
• medically monitored detox
• community support groups (e.g. 12-step groups)
• aftercare support and follow-up

Pharmacotherapy, or medication-based treatment, may also be recommended on a case-by-case basis, depending on the specific healthcare needs of yourself or your loved one. An antidepressant or other psychotropic medication, for instance, might be given to someone if they have co-occurring depression or another type of mental health disorder.

How Much Does Treatment For Cocaine Use Disorder Cost?

The cost of a substance abuse treatment program can vary, depending on a variety of factors. That includes factors related to your insurance coverage or a treatment provider. 

Factors that can affect the cost of treatment include:

• level of care (e.g. inpatient or outpatient rehab programs)
• type of treatment program
• the treatment provider
• insurance coverage for addiction treatment
• where you live

Achieving recovery from a cocaine addiction is possible. Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction care.

Updated on June 2, 2026

Written by the Free Rehab Centers Editorial Staff