Understand the source comparison
Comparison: Peptides vs Standard Addiction Pharmacotherapy
Naltrexone (opioid antagonist) Blocks mu-opioid receptors, reducing reward from substance use 15–20% vs placebo None. Blocks receptors but doesn't repair damage 6–12 months minimum Buprenorphine (partial agonist) Occupies opioid receptors with lower activation
No winner is assigned.
This page preserves a source comparison for education. It does not add a rating, recommendation or clinical judgment.
- Naltrexone (opioid antagonist)
- Blocks mu-opioid receptors, reducing reward from substance use
- 15–20% vs placebo
- None. Blocks receptors but doesn't repair damage
- 6–12 months minimum
- Buprenorphine (partial agonist)
- Occupies opioid receptors with lower activation, prevents withdrawal
- 40–50% vs no treatment
- Minimal. Maintains receptor occupancy rather than restoring function
- 12–24 months typical, often indefinite
- NAD+ IV Protocol
- Restores mitochondrial function, accelerates acetaldehyde clearance, supports dopamine synthesis
- 23–34% vs standard detox
- Direct support. Provides coenzymes required for receptor repair
- 10–14 days intensive, monthly maintenance optional
- Selank (anxiolytic peptide)
- GABA modulation, BDNF upregulation in hippocampus
- 18–25% when combined with behavioral therapy
- High. Increases neuroplasticity markers in recovery-relevant brain regions
- 8–12 weeks during protracted withdrawal phase
- Thymalin (thymic peptide)
- Immune system restoration, reduction of neuroinflammation
- No direct relapse data. Improves cognitive recovery markers
- Indirect. Neuroinflammation impairs hippocampal neurogenesis
- 10–20 days during early recovery