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Home › Q&A › Choosing treatment

Should a treatment program offer medication for opioid addiction?

Choosing treatment1 answer · asked 2 days ago
From the RecoveryHome team. We write some questions from situations people often ask us about, and answer them with general information from public health sources. Been through this yourself? Your answer could help the next person who finds this page. How we write team posts
RH
RecoveryHome team Team
asked 2 days ago

Some programs are "medication-free" or discourage medication for opioid use disorder. Is that a problem?

RH
RecoveryHome team Team
answered 2 days ago · general information, not medical advice

For opioid use disorder, medication is the standard of care. SAMHSA, NIDA, and major medical organizations recommend that people have access to methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. These medications lower the risk of relapse and overdose death.

A program that refuses medication, or requires you to stop a medication that's working, is a red flag for opioid treatment. Federal guidance also says people taking prescribed medication for opioid use disorder are generally protected from discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Questions to ask:

  • Do you offer methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, or will you work with my current prescriber?
  • Can I keep taking my current medication during treatment?
  • How do you handle starting medication after fentanyl use?
  • What happens with my medication after discharge?

Use the "Medication-assisted (MAT)" filter in our directory to find programs that list medication treatment.

Read more: Medication for opioid use disorder

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Should a treatment program offer medication for opioid addiction? · RecoveryHome