Which option refers to the long-acting injectable approach used in substance use disorder treatment?

• A. Depot injections
• B. Oral antagonist therapy
• C. Transdermal patch
• D. Sublingual tablets

Answer: (A)

Depot injections use formulations that release medication gradually over weeks to months, so treatment can be given less frequently while maintaining steady drug levels. This approach improves adherence and continuity of care, which are crucial for staying in recovery. In practice, you’ll see long-acting injectables like extended-release naltrexone (typically given monthly) and buprenorphine extended-release injections (also on a monthly schedule). The other options involve routes that are not injectable depots: oral antagonist therapy is taken by mouth and requires daily dosing, a transdermal patch delivers drug through the skin over a short period but is not an injectable formulation, and sublingual tablets are dissolved under the tongue and are not long-acting injections.