Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)

What are medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)?

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are the evidenced based, first line approach to treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Like any other medication, a person may need to try more than one type of MOUD treatment to find what works best for them.

For people who want to reduce or stop using opioids, treatment approaches like MOUD are available to do this safely and more effectively. Most people who are taking opioids will benefit from taking a medication which can help them deal with the cravings and withdrawal symptoms related to their opioid use.

Medications are one option for treating OUD. Counseling services and/or recovery and social support services can also be beneficial for some people who are taking a MOUD.

What do providers need to know about MOUD?

Benefits of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)

MOUD is an evidence-based treatment that has been proven to support people who choose to reduce or stop their opioid use. MOUD can:

• Reduce the chances of an opioid overdose related death in people who use opioids by 50 percent.
• Reduce a person’s craving and withdrawal symptoms related to their opioid use disorder and increase the likelihood that a person will continue to not use drugs.
• Reduce pregnancy risks and complications.
• Help to stabilize the life of someone with an opioid use disorder.
• Reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission in individuals who use opioids.

Types of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD)

There are currently three FDA-approved types of evidence-based medications used to treat opioid use disorder: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

Methadone

• What it is: It is a synthetic opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors
• How it works: Eliminates withdrawal symptoms and relieves cravings
• How to get it: Must be dispensed through specialized treatment programs called Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs)

Buprenorphine

• What it is: 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 cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing euphoria.
• How to get it: Can be prescribed by healthcare providers that may work in a variety of treatment settings including primary care/medical offices and community behavioral health programs.

Naltrexone

• What it is: It is an opioid antagonist, which means that it works by blocking the activation of opioid receptors
• How it works: It prevents any opioid drug from producing rewarding effects such as euphoria
• How to get it: Can be prescribed by any medical professional who can prescribe medication.

How do providers bill Medicaid for MOUD services?

Learn how to bill as a provider for MOUD prescribing services in a substance use disorder treatment setting:

• Paying for Primary Care Services: Substance User Disorder Setting and the MAT Billing Process (webinar presentation)
  • Post-webinar frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Where can I find information on MOUD treatment in Washington?

Use Washington Recovery Helpline's MOUD locator or learn more about opioid treatment programs.