top of page

Are Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) right for me?

Does This Sound Like You?

If you’re wondering whether opioids have become a bigger part of your life than you intended, ask yourself the following questions:

​

  • Do you find yourself taking opioids more often or in higher amounts than you originally planned?

  • Have you tried to cut back or stop using opioids but found it difficult?

  • Do you spend a lot of time thinking about, getting, using, or recovering from opioids?

  • Do you feel strong urges or cravings for opioids?

  • Has opioid use caused problems at work, school, or home?

  • Have you continued using opioids even when it has hurt your relationships with family or friends?

  • Have you lost interest in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed because of opioid use?

  • Have you used opioids in risky situations, such as while driving or in unsafe environments?

  • Do you keep using opioids even though you know they are affecting your physical or mental health?

  • Have you noticed that you need more opioids to get the same effect, or that the usual amount doesn’t seem to work as well?

  • Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms when you stop using, or do you take opioids to avoid feeling sick?

If you answered yes to several of these questions, you’re not alone—and help is available. Opioid use disorder is a medical condition, and treatment can help you take back control of your life.

MOUD (Medications for Opioid Use Disorder) refers to the use of FDA-approved medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). These medications help reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of overdose, improving overall recovery outcomes.  Opioid Treatment Providers combine medication with other services such as counseling, medical monitoring, recovery support, and wrap around services such as food, transportation, or employment assistance.  OTPs use MOUD to help people stabilize their lives and stop the cycle of withdrawal and relapse.

​

MOUD Medications:

  1. Methadone – A full opioid agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.  It is often the best choice for those with severe opioid use disorder.

  2. Buprenorphine (e.g., Suboxone, Sublocade) – A partial opioid agonist that helps with cravings and withdrawal but has a lower risk of overdose.

  3. Naltrexone (e.g., Vivitrol) – An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids, used after detox to prevent relapse.

Benefits of MOUD:

  • Lowers the risk of overdose and death

  • Reduces or eliminates opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings

  • Improves long-term recovery success

  • ​

MOUD is considered the gold standard of care for treating opioid addiction, as it helps stabilize individuals and supports long-term recovery.  

What is MOUD?

What is the Opioid Epidemic and How Did it Happen?

The US Department of Health and Human Services says the following:

 

In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to Opioid pain relievers and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates.

 

Increased prescription of Opioid medications led to widespread misuse of both prescription and non-prescription Opioids before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.

 

In 2017 HHS declared a public health emergency.

 

For More Information:

 

SAMHSA, Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, www.SAMHSA.gov

 

HHS, Health and Human Services, www.HHS.gov

 

NIDA, National Institute on Drug Abuse, www.drugabuse.gov

bottom of page