Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

Understanding Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder, also called “opioid addiction,” affects people and families across Texas. Overdose deaths and the misuse of prescription and illicit opioids make this one of today’s most urgent public health crises.

While the crisis is complex, one proven solution is helping people recover with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), which is effective in reducing opioid-related harm and supporting recovery.

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What is MOUD?

Hopeful adult

MOUD refers to medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration used to treat opioid use disorder, which is a chronic condition with high recurrence and overdose risks. These medications include methadone, buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone. By addressing the brain changes caused by addiction, these medications ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and lower the risk of recurrence and overdose.

MOUD focuses on medication to treat opioid use disorder, while medication-assisted treatment combines MOUD with behavioral therapies, counseling and care for overlapping conditions such as mental health needs or hepatitis C. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends combining medication with mental health support for the most effective treatment.

Barriers to Treatment

Despite their proven effectiveness, MOUD and medication-assisted treatment are not widely used. Many of the same barriers affect access to both types of care. These include a shortage of qualified prescribers, limited treatment availability, long waiting times, financial and transportation challenges and limited information about available programs. Negative past experiences with treatment and peer pressure to continue using can also discourage people from starting or staying in treatment.

MOUD faces another significant barrier: stigma. Some people in recovery believe those who use MOUD are replacing one substance with another. This can make people who use medications such as methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone feel misunderstood. This misconception ignores data that these medications are essential for sustaining long-term recovery and preventing overdose.

Research shows that people who remain in treatment, especially those who use medication-assisted treatment for a year or longer, experience better results and greater long-term stability. Learn more here. 

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How MOUD Supports Recovery

Recovery looks different for everyone, and medications for opioid use disorder are one of many tools that can support that process. Ways MOUD supports recovery include:
  • MOUD balances brain chemistry. It reduces cravings and supports mental functioning.
  • It can begin at any stage of recovery. MOUD plays a central role in a person’s care plan.
  • MOUD helps people safely manage dependence and reduce the risk of recurrence. Some people taper off under medical guidance, while others continue long-term.
  • Taking medication as prescribed is recovery. MOUD helps people manage their condition responsibly, just as other medications do for chronic conditions. For example, people with diabetes often take insulin to regulate their blood sugar levels.
  • Addiction is a health condition. It doesn’t define anyone. People using MOUD are parents, co-workers, friends and community members working toward stability and wellness.

When people have access to MOUD, and the understanding and support to use them, recovery becomes not only possible but sustainable.  

Find Resources

To find treatment and recovery programs for you or a loved one, visit
TxOpioidResponse.org/Resources.

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