Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in Ohio

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is also known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MOUD is an evidence-based treatment option for individuals recovering from opioid addiction and supports the individual during the early stages of recovery. MOUD combines medications with behavioral therapy to treat the whole person, which reduces chances of relapse and supports the individual into long-term recovery.

Clients interested in MOUD will undergo a level-of-care assessment. From there, they make a joint decision with our clinical team about the appropriate course of treatment and what form of MOUD will be most beneficial and supportive to their unique recovery journey. If MOUD is recommended, the client is prescribed an individualized dose of medication and will participate in random, mandatory urine screens under supervision to verify their drug-free status. The individual will be assessed for the appropriate therapeutic level of care and engage in treatment services paired with their MOUD. As the individual stabilizes, the frequency of treatment visits reduces over time.

While MOUD sometimes involves the use of medications that are classified as opioids, proper prescribing and use of MOUD does not produce the same “high” or likelihood for misuse or addiction.

Any medications prescribed or received through Pyramid Healthcare Ohio are administered by a medical professional as part of a specialized and integrated treatment program.

Buprenorphine and Naltrexone are drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat opioid use disorder. These drugs are also commonly referred to by their brand names, Suboxone and Vivitrol®. When administered by a medical professional or treatment provider, these medications have proven to be safe and effective.

Medications are recommended for opioid withdrawal management instead of abrupt cessation, known as going “cold turkey.”  This is why every client is thoroughly evaluated and receives an individualized treatment plan. Our top priority at Pyramid Healthcare in Ohio is the safety of our clients, and we do everything we can to ensure they get the appropriate level of care and treatment.

Depending on the severity of dependence and withdrawal symptoms, our team may first recommend our ambulatory detox program.

Counseling, or behavioral therapy, is an equally important component of treatment as is MOUD. Behavioral therapy helps clients get at the root causes of their substance use. Counseling can help clients develop recovery skills, day-to-day coping strategies and management of symptoms and triggers, and it is an integrated part of our MOUD program.

While medications used in MOUD are safe, some individuals may prefer to abstain. Everyone’s recovery journey is unique. Our clinical team will help you determine your treatment needs. If you’ve tried treatment before and have been unsuccessful, MOUD may be appropriate for you.