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Understanding MOUD

Understanding MOUD

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are a way to offer people struggling with opioid dependency new life options, from living safely with their conditions to full recovery. Knowing what MOUD is and how it works can help reduce stigma and make it more accessible.

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What is MOUD?

MOUD is short for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. First used in the early 1960s to treat heroin addiction, they have become the gold standard in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment.

By reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and lowering overdose deaths by up to 50%, MOUD give people living with OUD new life options. But there are many misconceptions, and access can be difficult. Understanding substance use disorder (SUD) as a progressive, chronic brain disease and MOU â–¡ as a way to treat that chronic condition supports destigmatization, acceptance, and easier access for the people who need it.

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MOUD Saves Lives

In Minnesota

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How MOUD

Works

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Buprenorphine
Subotex®, Suboxone®

“Bupe” is the most commonly used MOUD today and offers the best results.

  • A partial opioid that binds to opioid receptors without completely activating them.
  • Reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a kick.
  • Can be prescribed by certified healthcare providers.
Methadone

Methadone has been used to treat heroin addiction since the early 1960s.​

  • A synthetic opioid that binds to opioid receptors.​
  • Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a kick.​
  • Must be dispensed through specialized opioid treatment programs.
Naltrexone
Vivitrol®

Naltrexone is a non-opioid treatment option that helps prevent relapse.​

  • An opioid blocker that binds to opioid receptors and blocks their effects.​
  • Reduces relapse risk by curbing the reward of opioid use and has no abuse potential.​
  • Patients must be opioid-free for 7–10 days before starting treatment.

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  • An opioid blocker that binds to opioid receptors and blocks their effects.​
  • Reduces relapse risk by curbing the reward of opioid use and has no abuse potential.​
  • Patients must be opioid-free for 7–10 days before starting treatment.
Further Support

While MOUD covers the physiological part of living with opioid use disorder, additional support can help improve a patient’s overall well-being.​

  • Talk Therapy​
  • Acupuncture​
  • Acupressure​
  • Massages

MOUD MYTH BUSTING

There are many misconceptions about Medications for Opioid Use Disorder and how they help people live a better life. But when you understand what’s true and what’s false, you’ll see that it’s another approach to support individuals battling a chronic disease.

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MYTH 1

MOUD JUST REPLACES ONE DRUG WITH ANOTHER.

Truth

MOUD is a medical treatment that uses safe, FDA-approved prescription medications to stabilize the brain, reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and help people stop using dangerous opioids. Studies show it helps people stay healthier and lowers overdose risk, disease transmission, and drug-related criminal activity.​

MYTH 2

MOUD is not as good as recovery without medication.

Truth

MOUD isn’t the easy way out or a moral shortcut. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a progressive chronic brain disease, and it can be treated with medication, like other chronic conditions. Using MOUD doesn’t mean someone isn’t serious about recovery. It’s a legitimate medical approach that helps manage the disease and supports long-term stability and recovery.​

MYTH 3

MOUD is not effective because it doesn’t immediately end addiction.

Truth

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic, long-lasting disease, not something that’s cured overnight. Like insulin for diabetes or long-term meds for high blood pressure, MOUD helps people manage their condition and stay stable and healthy over time.

MYTH 4

MOUD is only for the weak who can’t quit by themselves.

Truth

Opioid use disorder (OUD) causes real physical changes in the brain and is hard to stop. Only a few people can quit on their own, and most of them go through repeated and dangerous relapse cycles. MOUD makes recovery safer by reducing overdose risk and harmful behavior connected to street drugs.​

Tough on Crime

IN A HELPFUL WAY

Here’s an unexpected fact: Studies show that drug-related crime rates drop in neighborhoods with MOUD clinics. A win for the entire community!​

RESOURCE: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395924000148

Free Downloads & Sharables

Use the free materials below to share life-saving information about substance use, overdose prevention, and recovery with your community, family, and friends.

Info Sheets

WHat is MOUD
How MOUD Works
MOUD Myth Busting

Posters

How MOUD Works
  • Substances
  • Dangers
  • Naloxone
  • Community Care
  • How to Help
  • Road to Recovery
  • Video Stories
  • About Us

Resources