Opioid addiction is a serious and often life-threatening condition, but it is also highly treatable. One of the most effective and evidence-based strategies for overcoming opioid dependence is through the use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). These medications are not quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Rather, they are part of a larger, comprehensive treatment approach that includes therapy, counseling, and support services.
In this article, we’ll break down what MOUD is, how it works, and how it plays a key role in helping individuals on their path to long-term recovery.
The Goal of Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
The primary goal of treating opioid use disorder (OUD) is recovery, which involves not only the cessation of drug use but also improvements in physical and mental health, relationships, employment, and overall quality of life.
Treatment aims to:
- Reduce or eliminate illicit opioid use
- Minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Prevent relapse and overdose
- Improve social functioning and mental well-being
Achieving these outcomes often requires a multidisciplinary approach, with medication playing a central role in stabilizing patients and reducing the compulsive need to use opioids. This is where medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder comes in.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
MOUD refers to the use of FDA-approved medications—Buprenorphine, Methadone, and Naltrexone—in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. These medications work in different ways to support recovery and must be administered or prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals.
1. Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates the same receptors in the brain as opioids but to a much lesser degree. This helps:
- Reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Diminish cravings
- Lower the risk of misuse
- Block the effects of other opioids
It is commonly combined with naloxone (e.g., Suboxone) to prevent misuse. Buprenorphine can be prescribed in outpatient settings, making it more accessible to many patients. When taken as directed, it significantly enhances the individual’s ability to function and participate in normal daily activities.
2. Methadone
Methadone is a full opioid agonist, used in treatment for decades. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the euphoria associated with opioids when taken as prescribed. Methadone:
- Is administered daily at licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs)
- Is highly regulated due to its potency
- Is effective for individuals with severe OUD or long-term use histories
Methadone treatment is often ideal for individuals who require a more structured environment or who have not succeeded with other treatments. It is especially useful for patients with co-occurring disorders that require continuous medical oversight.
3. Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that completely blocks opioid receptors in the brain. Unlike methadone or buprenorphine, it does not activate these receptors, making it non-addictive and non-habit forming. Available in pill form or as an extended-release injection (Vivitrol), it works by:
- Preventing the euphoric effects of opioids
- Reducing the risk of relapse
- Requiring complete detoxification before starting, which may be challenging for some
Naltrexone is an excellent choice for individuals who are highly motivated to stay off opioids and who have completed the detoxification phase. It is also useful in criminal justice settings or for individuals who prefer not to use opioid-based treatments.
4. Additional Treatment Options
While medications form the foundation of MOUD, a well-rounded treatment plan also includes behavioral and supportive therapies, such as:
– Outpatient Counseling
Offered in community clinics or private practices, outpatient counseling provides tools for:
- Coping with triggers
- Addressing underlying mental health issues
- Building life skills and routines that support sobriety
These sessions can be conducted individually, with families, or in group formats, allowing flexibility based on a person’s specific needs.
– Inpatient Rehabilitation
For individuals with severe OUD or co-occurring conditions, residential treatment may be necessary. These structured environments offer:
- 24/7 support and supervision
- Integrated therapy and medical management
- A safe space to focus entirely on recovery
Inpatient rehab is particularly beneficial during early recovery stages or after multiple relapses. It creates a controlled environment where healing can begin away from outside stressors and temptations.
How Do These Medications Help with Recovery?
Medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder helps in several life-changing ways:
Stabilizing Brain Chemistry
Chronic opioid use changes how the brain functions. MOUD helps restore balance by interacting with the same receptors, but in a controlled and safe way. This stabilization allows the brain to heal and function more normally over time.
Reducing Cravings and Withdrawal
One of the biggest challenges in recovery is resisting powerful cravings. These medications reduce both the intensity and frequency of cravings, allowing individuals to focus on healing.
Withdrawal symptoms, which can include nausea, insomnia, muscle aches, and extreme anxiety, often derail early recovery efforts. MOUD makes this transition more manageable and tolerable.
Lowering Risk of Overdose and Relapse
MOUD has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of fatal overdoses, especially for those transitioning out of detox or rehabilitation programs. By blocking or dulling the effects of opioids, these medications make it less likely for individuals to return to harmful patterns of use.
Improving Quality of Life
Patients on MOUD often experience:
- Better mental and physical health
- Higher rates of employment
- Improved relationships with family and peers
- A greater sense of self-worth and empowerment
Many patients report feeling more in control of their lives, more hopeful about the future, and more capable of making decisions that support long-term sobriety.
Find an Opioid Treatment Program at Mighty Mental Health
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use, Mighty Mental Health is here to help you take the next step. Our treatment philosophy focuses on comprehensive, personalized care plans that may include medications for opioid use disorder alongside therapy and other support systems.
At Mighty Mental Health, we’re more than just a psychiatry office—we’re your partner in long-term recovery. Our licensed professionals provide:
- Telehealth visits for flexible and private care
- In-office consultations at our Summerlin, Las Vegas location
- ADHD testing and treatment
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders like Addiction, Adult ADHD, Bulimia Nervosa, Depression, and many more
We believe that healing from opioid use disorder requires compassion, expertise, and continuity of care. Whether you need medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder or a holistic mental health care plan, we are committed to walking with you every step of the way.
Contact us today at 702-479-1600 or use our convenient online contact form to schedule your appointment and begin your journey to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take MOUD and still be in therapy or 12-step programs?
Yes. In fact, combining MOUD with therapy or participation in 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) often improves outcomes. Medications help stabilize the body, while therapy addresses emotional and psychological healing. Many support groups are increasingly accepting of MOUD as a legitimate form of recovery support.
Is it safe to stay on MOUD long-term?
Absolutely. Many individuals remain on MOUD for months or even years, depending on their unique needs. Treatment duration is a personal decision best made with your healthcare provider. Long-term use can be both safe and beneficial when medically supervised. Studies show that long-term MOUD users have better health and recovery outcomes.
Will I get addicted to MOUD?
This is a common concern, especially with medications like methadone or buprenorphine. When taken as prescribed and under medical supervision, MOUD does not produce a high. Instead, it helps normalize brain function and is part of a clinically accepted treatment, not a substitute addiction. The goal is functionality, not dependency.
By understanding what medications for opioid use disorder are and how they help, you’re one step closer to making informed decisions about your health. Whether you’re considering starting treatment or supporting someone else, know that help is available—and recovery is possible.
Reach out to Mighty Mental Health today to explore how our medication and therapy options can support a healthier, opioid-free future.