TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR AN OPIOID USE DISORDER

OPIOID (NARCOTIC) TREATMENT

The Opioid (Narcotic) Treatment program provides daily or several times weekly medication and counseling available to maintain stability for those with an opioid use disorder. Studies show that people with an opioid use disorder who follow detoxification with complete abstinence are very likely to relapse, or return to using the drug. While relapse is a normal step on the path to recovery, it can also be life threatening, raising the risk for a fatal overdose. An important way to support recovery from heroin or prescription opioid use disorder is to maintain abstinence from those drugs. Someone in recovery can also use medications that reduce the negative effects of withdrawal and cravings without producing the euphoria that the original drug of abuse caused.
Source: NIDA. (2018, June 8). Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder

WHAT IS MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT?

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) provides ordering, prescribing, administering and monitoring of medications for substance use disorders.

• Medication can safely reduce opioid craving and withdrawal, allowing the brain to balance and heal during recovery.
• MAT decreases opioid misuse and reduces opioid-related overdoses and deaths.
• An individualized assessment and medical plan are required.
• MAT is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• MAT does not substitute one addiction for another.
• MAT is not a substitute for counseling and behavioral therapies.

TREATMENT PROVIDERS

To find a treatment provider in your community, call the toll-free help line at 1-800-662-4357.

 Adapted from Ventura County Behavioral Health / www.venturacountyresponds.org