Opioid Addiction Treatment – Finding Hope and Renewal in Recovery

Understanding the Grip of Opioid Addiction

The shadow of opioid addiction is long and complex, touching millions of lives globally. Perhaps you’re reading this because you are caught in its grasp, feeling the relentless cycle of cravings, the fear of debilitating withdrawal, and the ever-present threat of overdose. Or, you might be a family member, watching a loved one struggle, desperate to find a solution and bring them back to health and safety. The fear of overdose is a stark reality, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl driving a significant increase in fatalities. Every day, individuals face the agonizing choice between intense withdrawal symptoms and potentially lethal drug use. This article aims to illuminate the path forward, providing clear, evidence-based information and compassionate guidance for both individuals seeking help and their worried families. At Siam Rehab, we understand the immense courage it takes to confront opioid addiction, and we are here to walk that path with you. Our goal is to offer a safe, effective, and empathetic route to lasting recovery.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic, treatable condition, not a moral failing. The powerful pull of opioids rewires the brain, making it incredibly difficult to stop using without professional support. The good news is that effective treatments exist, and recovery is absolutely possible. This guide will delve into the nature of opioids, their devastating effects, and the modern, evidence-based approaches that can lead to healing and a renewed life. We want you to know that hope is not lost, and a life free from the chains of addiction is within reach.

What Exactly Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy or synthetic compounds that mimic their effects. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract, producing feelings of pain relief, euphoria, and sedation. While opioids have legitimate medical uses for managing severe pain, their potent effects also carry a high risk for dependence and addiction.

Prescription Opioids

Many people’s journey into opioid addiction begins with a seemingly harmless prescription. Doctors prescribe prescription opioids for acute pain (like after surgery or injury) or chronic pain. Common prescription opioids include:

• Oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet)
• Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin, Norco)
• Morphine (e.g., MS Contin, Kadian)
• Codeine
• Tramadol (often perceived as less potent but still an opioid with abuse potential)

While intended to alleviate suffering, the pain relief and euphoric sensations these medications produce can lead to physical dependence quickly, sometimes even within a few weeks of regular use, even when taken as prescribed. Once dependence develops, stopping or reducing the dose can trigger uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, pushing individuals to continue use to avoid these effects. This transition from prescribed use to misuse, and then to addiction, can be subtle and insidious.

Heroin

Heroin is an illicit, highly addictive opioid processed from morphine. Heroin is also an opioid. It typically appears as a white or brown powder or a black sticky substance (“black tar” heroin). Heroin is often injected, snorted, or smoked, delivering a rapid and intense rush of euphoria. Its illegal nature means its purity is unregulated, leading to unpredictable potency and a high risk of overdose. Many individuals who develop a dependence on prescription opioids eventually turn to heroin due to its lower cost and easier accessibility on the black market.

Fentanyl and Synthetic Opioids

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is legally prescribed for severe pain, often for cancer patients, in forms like patches or lozenges. However, illicitly manufactured fentanyl has become a major driver of the opioid crisis, often mixed into other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, or pressed into counterfeit pills made to look like legitimate prescription opioids. This makes fentanyl incredibly dangerous, as users may unknowingly consume a lethal dose. Even a tiny amount, as little as two milligrams (equivalent to a few grains of salt), can be fatal depending on an individual’s tolerance and body size. The stealthy presence of fentanyl has dramatically increased the risk of accidental overdose, making the drug supply far more perilous than ever before.

Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder & Withdrawal

Opioid use disorder (OUD) manifests through a range of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. Understanding these signs is crucial for both individuals recognizing their own struggle and for family members seeking to help. The moment a person tries to stop using opioids, their body, having adapted to the drug, reacts with intense withdrawal symptoms, often driving them back to use.

Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder:

• Intense Cravings: An overwhelming urge to use opioids, consuming thoughts and actions.
• Increased Tolerance: Needing higher doses of opioids to achieve the same effect.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing uncomfortable or painful physical and psychological symptoms if opioid use is stopped or reduced.
• Loss of Control: Using more opioids or for a longer period than intended.
• Unsuccessful Attempts to Quit: Repeated efforts to cut down or stop opioid use that fail.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home due to opioid use.
• Continued Use Despite Harm: Continuing to use opioids even when it causes or worsens physical or psychological problems.
• Social and Interpersonal Problems: Opioid use causing arguments or detachment from loved ones.
• Giving Up Activities: Reducing or abandoning important social, occupational, or recreational activities.
• Hazardous Use: Using opioids in situations that are physically dangerous (e.g., driving under the influence).
• Time-Consuming: Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of opioids.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms:

Opioid withdrawal can feel like a severe flu, often accompanied by intense psychological distress. The timing and intensity of symptoms depend on the type of opioid used (short-acting versus long-acting) and the duration and dosage of use. For short-acting opioids like heroin or immediate-release oxycodone, symptoms can begin within 6-12 hours, peak around 1-3 days, and mostly resolve within 5-7 days. For longer-acting opioids like methadone, symptoms might appear 1-3 days after the last dose, peak around 3-8 days, and can last for several weeks.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Physical Pain: Severe muscle aches, joint pain, and bone pain.
• Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
• Sweating and Chills: Profuse sweating, hot and cold flashes, and goosebumps.
• Flu-like Symptoms: Runny nose, watery eyes, frequent yawning, and sneezing.
• Restlessness and Agitation: Inability to sit still, extreme discomfort.
• Insomnia: Severe difficulty sleeping.
• Anxiety and Irritability: Heightened emotional distress, mood changes.
• Intense Cravings: Overpowering desire for opioids.
• Dilated Pupils: Noticeably larger pupils.
• Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Cardiovascular discomfort.

While rarely life-threatening on their own, the severe discomfort of withdrawal often leads individuals to relapse, making medical supervision during detox incredibly important.

The Grave Dangers: Health Risks of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction carries profound and often life-threatening health risks, impacting nearly every system of the body. The relentless pursuit of the drug overshadows self-care, leading to a cascade of physical and psychological deterioration.

Overdose and Respiratory Depression

The most immediate and terrifying risk of opioid use disorder is overdose, which can be fatal. Opioids depress the central nervous system, particularly the respiratory drive. During an overdose, breathing becomes dangerously slow or stops altogether, leading to a lack of oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. This is known as respiratory depression.

• Signs of Opioid Overdose: Pinpoint pupils, unresponsiveness, slow or shallow breathing (or not breathing at all), gurgling or choking sounds, cold and clammy skin, blue or purple lips and fingernails, and a limp body.
• Fentanyl’s Extreme Danger: The potency of fentanyl makes overdose a constant, lurking danger. Because it’s often illicitly mixed into other drugs without the user’s knowledge, a single dose can be lethal. Peak respiratory depression from fentanyl can occur within minutes, making a rapid response imperative.
• Naloxone: A Life-Saving Antidote: Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors. It is a critical tool for overdose prevention and emergency response. Giving naloxone quickly can save a life.

Relapse Risk and Loss of Tolerance

Relapse is a common, though not inevitable, part of the recovery journey for many with OUD. After a period of abstinence, an individual’s tolerance to opioids significantly decreases. If they relapse and use the same amount of drug they used before stopping, the risk of a fatal overdose is dramatically higher. This reduced tolerance, combined with intense cravings, makes relapse a perilous prospect, highlighting the need for comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention strategies.

Other Health Complications:

• Infectious Diseases: Injecting opioids increases the risk of contracting blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C through shared needles.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Opioid use can lead to heart infections (endocarditis), collapsed veins, and other circulatory problems.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Chronic constipation is common, often leading to severe discomfort and other complications.
• Dental Problems: Neglect of oral hygiene combined with drug effects can cause severe tooth decay and gum disease.
• Malnutrition: Drug use often overrides basic needs like eating, leading to poor nutrition and weakened immunity.
• Mental Health Disorders: Opioid addiction frequently co-occurs with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, which can be both a cause and consequence of OUD.
• Brain Changes: Long-term opioid use fundamentally alters brain chemistry and structure, affecting decision-making, memory, and emotional regulation.

The cumulative effect of these risks underscores the urgency of seeking professional help. Each day spent in the cycle of opioid addiction is a gamble with one’s life and health.

Modern Treatment for Opioid Addiction: Approaches in 2025

The landscape of opioid addiction treatment has evolved significantly, moving towards evidence-based, compassionate care. In 2025, the cornerstone of effective treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), combined with behavioral therapies and comprehensive support. This integrated approach offers the best chance for sustained recovery.

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

MOUD involves FDA-approved medications that address withdrawal symptoms and cravings, reduce the risk of overdose and relapse, and help stabilize individuals in recovery. The three primary medications used are:

• Methadone

  Methadone is a full opioid agonist that helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings by acting on opioid receptors in the brain, but without producing the same euphoric high as other opioids when taken as prescribed. It has been used since 1969 and is administered daily in specialized opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Methadone significantly reduces opioid use, improves treatment retention, and lowers the risk of overdose death.

• Buprenorphine

  Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors but to a lesser degree than full agonists like methadone. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings while also having a “ceiling effect” that limits its euphoric impact, making overdose less likely than with full agonists. Buprenorphine is often combined with naloxone (e.g., Suboxone) to deter misuse. It can be prescribed in office-based settings, making it more accessible than methadone.

• Naltrexone

  Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors entirely, preventing opioids from producing euphoric effects and reducing cravings. It is non-addictive and does not cause physical dependence. Naltrexone is available as an oral medication or a long-acting injectable (Vivitrol), which is administered once a month. Patients must be fully detoxed from opioids before starting naltrexone to avoid precipitated withdrawal.

Recent Rule Changes (2022-2024)

Significant policy changes have aimed to expand access to MOUD, particularly buprenorphine:

• Elimination of the X-Waiver (December 2022): The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 enacted the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act, which eliminated the federal requirement for practitioners to obtain a special waiver (the “X-waiver”) to prescribe buprenorphine for OUD. This change removed patient caps and other barriers, allowing any prescriber with a standard DEA registration (that includes Schedule III authority) to prescribe buprenorphine. This monumental shift aims to integrate OUD treatment more fully into mainstream healthcare.
• Updated SAMHSA Guidelines (2024): The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued a final rule in early 2024 updating regulations for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), the first such update in over 20 years. These revisions expand access to life-saving MOUD and promote patient-centered care. Key changes include easing admission requirements, cementing some COVID-19-related telehealth flexibilities (allowing initial evaluations via telehealth for buprenorphine, and for methadone treatment in OTPs, removing barriers to care by allowing a healthcare professional to determine if a patient meets OUD criteria), and increasing discretion for take-home doses of methadone. These guidelines emphasize integrating trauma-informed principles and providing comprehensive ancillary and transitional support services.

These changes reflect a growing understanding that MOUD is not merely substitution therapy but a life-saving, evidence-based treatment that stabilizes individuals and supports long-term recovery.

Behavioral Therapies and Counseling

While MOUD addresses the physical aspects of addiction, behavioral therapies are crucial for addressing the psychological and social factors. These therapies help individuals understand their addiction, develop coping mechanisms, and build a supportive recovery lifestyle. Common therapies include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors linked to drug use.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Contingency Management: Uses motivational incentives (rewards) to reinforce positive behaviors like abstinence.
• Individual and Group Counseling: Provides a safe space to process emotions, learn new skills, and connect with peers.

The combination of MOUD with comprehensive counseling and support services is recognized as the “gold standard” for treating OUD.

Siam Rehab: Your Sanctuary for Healing and Recovery

At Siam Rehab, located in the serene and private landscapes of Thailand, we offer a comprehensive, individualized, and empathetic approach to overcoming opioid addiction. We understand the unique challenges of OUD and are dedicated to providing a healing environment that supports lasting recovery. Our program is meticulously designed to meet the highest standards of evidence-based care, integrating the latest advancements in addiction treatment with holistic wellness practices.

Our Integrated Treatment Approach:

• Medically Supervised Detoxification

  The first crucial step in overcoming opioid addiction is safe and comfortable detoxification. Attempting to detox from opioids without medical supervision can be excruciatingly painful and often leads to relapse. At Siam Rehab, our experienced medical team provides 24/7 care to manage acute withdrawal symptoms. We utilize approved medications to significantly alleviate physical discomfort, reduce cravings, and stabilize your body and mind during this critical phase. This ensures your detox is as gentle and safe as possible, setting a solid foundation for the next stages of treatment.

• MOUD Coordination and Integration

  Aligning with modern, evidence-based practices, Siam Rehab integrates Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) into our treatment plans where appropriate and clinically indicated. While methadone administration requires specific licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs) due to federal regulations, we provide buprenorphine (e.g., Suboxone) and naltrexone options. Our medical professionals assess each individual’s needs to determine the most suitable MOUD regimen, coordinating its initiation and ongoing management. We ensure that if MOUD is part of your treatment plan, it is seamlessly integrated with your therapeutic journey, helping to reduce cravings and prevent relapse, allowing you to fully engage in therapy and healing. This coordination is critical for long-term success, reducing mortality rates, and improving overall recovery outcomes.

• Personalized Counseling and Therapy

  Detox alone is not enough for sustained recovery. Our program emphasizes intensive, personalized counseling and therapy to address the root causes of addiction. Our expert therapists provide:

  • Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions using modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to explore underlying trauma, develop coping skills, and challenge addictive thought patterns.
  • Group Therapy: Facilitated group sessions where you can connect with peers, share experiences, and build a supportive community, reducing feelings of isolation.
  • Family Therapy: Where appropriate, we involve family members in therapy to heal relationships, improve communication, and establish healthy boundaries, recognizing that addiction impacts the entire family system.

• Holistic Wellness and Relapse Prevention

  Recovery extends beyond abstinence; it encompasses restoring your entire well-being. Our holistic program includes:

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices to cultivate self-awareness, reduce stress, and enhance emotional regulation.
  • Physical Fitness: Tailored exercise programs to restore physical health, boost mood, and release endorphins naturally.
  • Nutritional Support: Wholesome, nourishing meals to repair the body from the effects of addiction and improve overall energy.
  • Life Skills Training: Practical workshops on stress management, financial planning, healthy relationships, and vocational skills to prepare you for life after rehab.
  • Comprehensive Relapse Prevention Planning: Developing a robust, individualized plan that identifies triggers, outlines coping strategies, and establishes a strong support network for your return home. This includes connecting you with ongoing MOUD resources if applicable, and community support groups.

Siam Rehab is more than just a treatment center; it’s a place where you can rediscover yourself, heal from past wounds, and build a strong foundation for a fulfilling, substance-free life. Our serene environment, combined with our dedicated team and evidence-based practices, offers a unique opportunity for transformative recovery.

A Guiding Hand: Support and Action for Families

Witnessing a loved one battle opioid addiction is an incredibly painful and challenging experience. Families often feel helpless, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to best support their loved one while also protecting their own well-being. At Siam Rehab, we recognize the vital role families play in the recovery journey and offer guidance to help navigate this difficult terrain.

Understanding Addiction as a Disease

It’s crucial to understand that opioid addiction is a chronic brain disease, not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. This understanding can help reduce stigma, foster empathy, and guide more effective responses. Your loved one isn’t choosing addiction; they are struggling with a powerful medical condition that alters brain chemistry and behavior. Educate yourself about opioid use disorder to better support them and cope with the challenges.

Immediate Action: Naloxone and Overdose Response

Given the extreme risk of opioid overdose, especially with the prevalence of fentanyl, having naloxone (Narcan) readily available is a life-saving measure. If you suspect an overdose:

1. Call Emergency Services Immediately (911 or local equivalent). Provide clear details about the situation.
2. Administer Naloxone (Narcan) if available. Follow the instructions provided with the kit. You can administer naloxone even if you’re unsure it’s an opioid overdose; it won’t harm the person. You may need to administer a second dose.
3. Turn the Person on Their Side. This helps prevent choking if they vomit.
4. Stay with the Person. Try to keep them awake and breathing until paramedics arrive. Administer rescue breaths if needed.

Most states have Good Samaritan laws that may protect individuals who call for help during an overdose from legal repercussions.

Establishing Healthy Boundaries

While love and support are essential, enabling behaviors can inadvertently perpetuate the addiction cycle. Setting clear, consistent, and healthy boundaries is vital for both your loved one’s recovery and your own mental health. This might involve:

• Refusing to provide money that could be used for drugs.
• Not covering up or making excuses for their behavior.
• Expressing consequences for continued drug use.
• Focusing on their recovery efforts rather than their active addiction.
• Prioritizing your own well-being and seeking support for yourself.

Encouraging Professional Help

The most impactful step you can take is to encourage your loved one to seek professional help at a reputable rehab center like Siam Rehab. Emphasize that treatment is an act of courage and self-love, not a punishment. Be prepared to help with logistics, such as researching treatment options, making phone calls, and arranging transportation. Frame the conversation with empathy, focusing on your concern for their health and safety, rather than judgment or blame.

Support for Families

You don’t have to face this alone. Seeking support for yourself is crucial. Consider:

• Family Support Groups: Organizations like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon provide a safe space for families to share experiences, gain insight, and learn coping strategies.
• Therapy for Yourself: A therapist can help you process your emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and navigate the complex dynamics of loving someone with an addiction.
• Education: Continue learning about addiction and recovery to better understand the journey your loved one is on.

Your journey is important too. By taking care of yourself and acting with informed compassion, you become a stronger source of support for your loved one’s recovery.

Your First 72 Hours: An Immediate Action Plan

The decision to seek help for opioid addiction is a profound moment, often accompanied by intense fear and uncertainty. The first 72 hours after making this decision, or after an intervention, are critical. This immediate action plan is designed to provide clear, actionable steps for individuals ready for treatment and their families.

For the Individual Seeking Help:

This moment, right now, is your opportunity for change. Take a deep breath and understand that you are not alone.

1. Reach Out Immediately: Contact Siam Rehab, or another trusted addiction treatment provider, without delay. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen without judgment and guide you through the process. The longer you wait, the more likely the fear or cravings might deter you.
2. Tell a Trusted Person: Inform a family member, close friend, or healthcare provider about your decision and your immediate plan. This person can offer crucial support and help with logistics.
3. Prepare for Detox: Understand that withdrawal will be challenging, but it is a temporary phase that our medical team will manage with compassion and effective medication. Focus on the end goal: freedom from opioids.
4. Pack Essentials: Gather comfortable clothing, personal hygiene items, reading material, and any medications you are currently prescribed (list them accurately). Avoid bringing valuables or anything that could be a distraction.
5. Commit to the Process: Once you arrive at the treatment center, commit fully to the detox and therapeutic process. Be honest with yourself and your care team. This is your opportunity for a new beginning.

For Family Members Responding to a Loved One’s Decision:

If your loved one expresses readiness for help, act swiftly and decisively.

1. Prioritize Immediate Contact with a Treatment Center: Call Siam Rehab right away. Our admissions specialists can advise on beds available, necessary documentation, and travel arrangements to our facility in Thailand. Time is of the essence, as a window of willingness can close quickly. Our team can assist with all aspects of Drugs addiction treatment coordination.
2. Arrange Safe Transportation: Ensure a safe and direct route to the treatment facility. If travel involves international flights, our team can help coordinate the logistics to make it as smooth as possible.
3. Secure Naloxone and Review Overdose Protocols: If not already done, acquire naloxone and ensure all family members know how to use it. This provides a safety net during the transition period.
4. Prepare for Their Absence: While they are in treatment, begin to prepare for changes at home. This includes managing responsibilities, securing valuables, and addressing any legal or financial matters that might arise.
5. Seek Family Support: While your loved one is receiving care, remember to care for yourselves. Connect with family support groups or a therapist to process your emotions and learn how to best support your loved one’s long-term recovery.

The first 72 hours are a whirlwind, but decisive action during this time can be the turning point that saves a life and initiates a transformative journey toward recovery.

The Life-Saving Role of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

In the battle against opioid addiction, few advancements have been as transformative and life-saving as Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). For decades, treatment often focused solely on abstinence, leaving many individuals vulnerable to relapse due to overwhelming cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MOUD has revolutionized this approach, offering a powerful, evidence-based tool that significantly improves outcomes and saves lives.

Beyond “Substituting One Drug for Another”

A common misconception about MOUD is that it merely replaces one addiction with another. This couldn’t be further from the truth. MOUD medications—methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone—are not designed to produce a euphoric “high” when taken as prescribed. Instead, they normalize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and prevent withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to stabilize and engage meaningfully in therapy and life. They are medications that treat a chronic disease, much like insulin treats diabetes or blood pressure medication treats hypertension.

Key Benefits of MOUD:

• Significantly Reduces Overdose Risk: Research consistently shows that MOUD, particularly methadone and buprenorphine, dramatically reduces the risk of fatal opioid overdose. By stabilizing individuals and reducing illicit drug use, MOUD acts as a protective shield against the dangers of an unregulated drug supply, especially those contaminated with fentanyl.
• Alleviates Withdrawal Symptoms and Cravings: For someone struggling with OUD, the fear of withdrawal can be a primary barrier to seeking help. MOUD effectively mitigates these agonizing symptoms, making detox and the initial stages of recovery far more manageable and increasing the likelihood of staying in treatment.
• Prevents Relapse: By addressing the physiological drivers of addiction—cravings and withdrawal—MOUD helps individuals maintain abstinence from illicit opioids, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives.
• Improves Treatment Retention: Individuals receiving MOUD are more likely to stay in treatment programs longer, which is a key predictor of successful, long-term recovery.
• Enhances Quality of Life: Beyond abstinence, MOUD supports overall well-being. Patients on MOUD report improved social functioning, reduced criminal activity, and a greater ability to engage in work, education, and healthy relationships.
• Reduces Transmission of Infectious Diseases: By decreasing injection drug use, MOUD also plays a vital public health role in reducing the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C.

A Critical Component of Comprehensive Care

MOUD is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling, behavioral therapies, and ongoing support. The medications provide a stable foundation, while therapy addresses the psychological, emotional, and social factors contributing to addiction. Together, they offer a holistic pathway to recovery.

The recent removal of the X-waiver for buprenorphine prescribing and the updated SAMHSA guidelines are critical steps towards making these life-saving treatments more accessible to those who desperately need them. This shift underscores the medical community’s recognition that MOUD is an indispensable tool in addressing the opioid crisis. At Siam Rehab, we champion this evidence-based approach, ensuring that our clients receive the most effective and compassionate care available to empower them towards a life free from opioid dependence.

References

• Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) — Washington State Health Care Authority.
• What is Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) — Montefiore Health System.
• Information about Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) — FDA.
• Medications for Opioid Use Disorder — National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
• Suboxone, Methadone, Naltrexone: What’s the Difference? — Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
• The effects of naltrexone on retention in treatment and being opioid-free — Frontiers in Psychiatry (Systematic Review & Meta-analysis).
• Comparative Effectiveness of Different Treatment Pathways for Opioid Use Disorder — JAMA Network Open.
• Opioid use treatment — Washington State Health Care Authority.