Medication or Therapy? A Clinical Framework for Substance Use Disorders

Today, we’re tackling a deceptively simple question that comes up all the time in clinical practice: When should we prioritize medication, when should we emphasize psychotherapy, and when can we recommend both? This question comes up especially often with patients who are new to treatment. They’ll ask, “Do I need a medication?” or “Can I just do therapy?” And while it’s tempting to answer in generalities, the evidence actually gives us much clearer guidelines, depending on the substance that the patient is using. 

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Published On: 09/07/2026

Duration: 10 minutes, 57 seconds

Noah Capurso, MD, and Suzanne Decker, PhD, have disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.