Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

What is MOUD?

  • Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), also known as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), uses FDA-approved medications to treat opioid addiction.
  • MOUD/MAT is a whole-patient approach and is tailored specifically to each individual patient. While the medication relieves withdrawal symptoms, counseling promotes positive behavior and lifestyle change.
  • Common medications in MOUD/MAT include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. These medications work to:
    • Block the euphoric effects of opioids
    • Relieve cravings
    • Normalize brain chemistry
    • Normalize physical functions without withdrawal effects
  • When the cravings and withdrawal symptoms stop, people who are struggling with addiction have time to focus on long-term goals, remission, and recovery. MOUD/MAT has been shown to:
    • Increase patient survival rate
    • Increase treatment retention rates
    • Decrease criminal activity related to opioid use and other drug use
    • Increase patients’ abilities to gain or maintain employment
  • MOUD/MAT has been the first significant breakthrough in addiction treatment for opioids in many years.

MOUD/MAT at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic

  • Sawtooth Mountain Clinic (SMC) started a MOUD/MAT program in 2019.
  • We have 4 providers that are trained to prescribe and manage suboxone treatment.
    • Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone
  • While not mandatory, the clinic also has licensed therapists that can be a part of your recovery process.
  • SMC has a Care Coordinator that helps with appointment scheduling, finding inpatient or outpatient treatment if needed, and connecting with local resources.
  • Our program offers integration with primary care such as prenatal visits or mental health visits as well as integration with Cook County Public Health and Human Services case management team.
  • Call Sawtooth Mountain Clinic at 218-387-2330 to learn more about our MOUD/MAT program and schedule with a provider.

Do you or a loved one struggle with opioid addiction?

  • Are you using more opioids than you want to?
  • Is it hard to cut down or control your opioid use?
  • Do you crave opioids?
  • Has your opioid use caused problems in your relationships with others, or other parts of life, like work, school, or home?
  • Are you developing a tolerance (feeling less effect with continued use)?
  • Do you feel physically sick when you stop using opioids?
  • Have you tried to stop using opioids without success?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, you may have an addiction to opioids and MOUD/MAT may help.

Reducing Stigma

  • Addiction is a disease, not a character flaw. People suffering from substance use disorders have trouble controlling their drug use even though they know drugs are harmful.
  • MOUD/MAT is NOT trading one addiction for another. Taking medication for opioid addiction is the same as taking medication for any other chronic disease like diabetes or asthma.
  • When used according to a provider’s instructions, the medication is safe and effective, and will not create a new addiction.
  • There is no shame in getting the help you need.