Addiction Medicine is Healthcare
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are an evidence-based form of treatment available to those who want to reduce or stop using opioids, like fentanyl. Our team specializes in the use of methadone and buprenorphine for maintenance treatment and advocates for increased access to this life-saving form of treatment as it is powerfully effective in reducing overdose and death.
Type of Medications for Opioid Use
There are three approved medications for opioid used disorder. There are two evidence-based medications that we support for opioid use in our program: methadone and buprenorphine. Both of these medications help to stabilize chemical imbalances in the brain and restore normal physical and psychological functioning.
Methadone
Methadone can only be dispensed through an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) clinic such as ours and must be accompanied by counseling services. It is considered the “gold-standard” for OUD treatment.
What it is: A synthetic opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors.
How it works: Eliminates withdrawal symptoms and relieves cravings.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine can be prescribed by any healthcare provider but is also dispensed through OTPs.
What it is: A partial opioid agonist, meaning that it binds to those same opioid receptors but does not completely activate them.
How it works: Reduces withdrawal and cravings without producing euphoria.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone can be prescribed by any medical professional.
What it is: An opioid antagonist, which means that it works by blocking the activation of opioid receptors.
How it works: Prevents any opioid drug from producing rewarding effects such as euphoria.