MOUD is an evidence-based approach that uses medication to treat individuals with Opioid Use Disorder. People who stop using opioids often relapse (return to use) if they do not use medication to help them. Stopping and then restarting opioid use increases the chance of dying from an overdose.

The three medications approved to treat opioid use disorder are:

Methadone

Buprenorphine (Common brand names: Suboxone, Subutex)

Naltrexone (Common brand name: Vivitrol)

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medicine that can save someone’s life if they are overdosing on opioids—whether it’s a prescription opioid, heroin, or a drug containing fentanyl.

Naloxone quickly blocks and reverses the effects of an overdose. You can tell it is working because it quickly helps a person breathe normally. It is not a treatment for opioid addiction.

Naloxone has been proven to be extremely safe. It can be given to anyone showing signs of an opioid overdose, even if you are not sure if they have used opioids. Naloxone is not addictive and cannot be used to get high. It can also be used on pregnant women in overdose situations.

People with physical dependence on opioids may have signs of withdrawal within minutes after they are given naloxone. Normal withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, changes in blood pressure, anxiety, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors. These symptoms are not life-threatening but can be uncomfortable.

If you or a loved one struggles with opioid use, you should have naloxone. Ask your family and friends to carry it and let them know where your naloxone is, in case they need to use it.

People who previously used opioids and have stopped are at higher risk for an overdose. This includes people who have completed a detox program or have recently been released from jail, a residential treatment center, or the hospital. These people now have a lower tolerance for opioids and can overdose more easily.

Stigma is the disapproval of, or discrimination against, a person based on a negative stereotype. Stigma often affects how people with opioid use disorder are treated, making it difficult for them to find jobs, places to live, and medical care. Even if unintentional, the hurtful words and actions of others can keep people who are struggling with addiction from getting help and staying in treatment for as long as they need it.

Stigma keeps people from getting the best possible care.

The myth that addiction is a lack of willpower stops people from seeing their doctors and getting treatment that can help them rebuild their lives, relationships, and health. Stigma leads some people to believe that taking medicine for opioid use disorder is “replacing one drug for another” and not real recovery." In fact, people who take FDA-approved medicines like buprenorphine (Suboxone®), naltrexone (Vivitrol®), and methadone are more likely to stay in recovery and enjoy healthy, productive lives.

Stigma harms well-being and quality of life.

As a result of harmful attitudes and stereotypes, people with addictions often face devastating consequences like discrimination in employment, loss of housing, and poor treatment from health care professionals.

Stigma leads to overdose deaths.

Fear of being judged or discriminated against can keep people from getting the help they need and increase their chances of dying from an overdose.