Opioid Addiction Treatment: What Are Your Options?

Opioid addiction doesn’t follow a single script—and neither should its treatment. Whether your journey with opioids began with a surgery, a sports injury, or a moment of self-medication, what matters most now is knowing that there is a path forward. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is treatable. But with so many treatment options available—ranging from medications to therapy to digital health tools—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What really works? What do you need first? And how do you make sure you’re choosing care that will actually help you reclaim your life?You’re not alone in these questions. According to a 2024 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 2.7 million Americans currently live with OUD. The opioid epidemic, fueled in part by synthetic opioids like fentanyl, continues to devastate families and communities across the country. But the science of treatment has advanced just as quickly—and hope has never been more well-founded.This blog breaks down all your options for opioid addiction treatment. We’ll explore how medication works, what kinds of therapy help, where to find support, and what role technology plays in modern recovery. You’ll also learn how to choose the right treatment for your specific situation. Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or someone you love, this guide will give you the clarity and confidence you need to take the next step.

Understanding Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Opioid use disorder is a chronic but treatable brain condition marked by the compulsive use of opioids despite harmful consequences. These drugs include prescription painkillers (like oxycodone or hydrocodone), as well as illicit substances like heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.OUD changes how your brain processes reward, stress, and decision-making. Over time, people with OUD find it increasingly difficult to stop using even when they want to. It’s not a matter of willpower—it’s a matter of biology and brain chemistry. Treatment must therefore address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.Effective treatment combines medication, behavioral interventions, and long-term support. The goal isn’t just stopping drug use—it’s building a stable, fulfilling life in recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (also called MOUD, or medications for opioid use disorder) is widely considered the gold standard for opioid addiction treatment. These FDA-approved medications reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and normalize brain function.

1. Buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Sublocade®)

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain—but to a much lesser degree than drugs like heroin or fentanyl. It helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a euphoric high.

Benefits:

• Can be prescribed in an outpatient or telehealth setting

• Available as a daily dissolvable tablet/film or monthly injection

• Lower risk of overdose compared to full opioid agonists

Who it’s for:

• People ready to start recovery without intensive inpatient care

• Individuals looking for flexibility in how and where they receive treatment

2. Methadone

Methadone is a full opioid agonist, typically dispensed through licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It’s been used for over 50 years to treat opioid addiction.

Benefits:

• Strong track record in reducing illicit opioid use

• Useful for individuals with long-term, high-severity OUD

• Daily dosing under supervision improves accountability

Challenges:

• Requires daily clinic visits, which may limit accessibility

• May carry stigma in some communities

3. Naltrexone (Vivitrol®)

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist—it blocks opioid receptors entirely. It’s non-addictive and does not cause withdrawal, but it must be started after full detox.

Benefits:

• No potential for misuse

• Monthly injection improves adherence

• Good for individuals highly motivated for abstinence

Best suited for:

• Individuals who have completed detox and are committed to remaining opioid-free

• People in professional or legal situations that restrict agonist-based medications

MAT Works—and Saves Lives

A 2023 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that individuals receiving MAT were 60% less likely to relapse within 6 months compared to those in abstinence-only programs. MAT reduces the risk of overdose, improves quality of life, and helps patients stay engaged in treatment for longer. It’s not replacing one addiction with another—it’s replacing chaos with stability.

Behavioral Therapies for OUD

While medications treat the biological aspects of addiction, behavioral therapies help individuals understand the psychological and emotional patterns that fuel substance use.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps people identify negative thought patterns and behaviors, replacing them with healthier strategies. It’s structured, goal-oriented, and evidence-based.

CBT focuses on:

• Identifying triggers

• Managing cravings

• Building coping skills

• Preventing relapse

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a collaborative, non-confrontational approach that helps clients resolve ambivalence about change. It’s especially useful for individuals who are not yet fully committed to recovery.

Key strengths of MI:

• Builds trust and self-efficacy

• Enhances internal motivation

• Encourages action without judgment

Contingency Management (CM)

CM provides tangible rewards (like vouchers or small prizes) for positive behaviors such as negative drug screens or therapy attendance. It’s one of the most effective methods for promoting early abstinence.

According to a 2022 meta-analysis in The Lancet, CM increased treatment adherence by 2X compared to therapy alone.

Other Approaches

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Especially helpful for clients with emotional regulation challenges

• Family Therapy: Improves communication and healing within family systems

• Group Therapy: Provides shared experiences, peer support, and accountability

Levels of Care: Where Treatment Happens

Depending on the severity of addiction, co-occurring conditions, and lifestyle needs, opioid addiction treatment can take place in several different settings:

Inpatient Rehab

Residential programs offer 24/7 care in a structured environment. Stays typically range from 30 to 90 days.

Ideal for:

• People with severe OUD or co-occurring disorders

• Those with unstable home environments

• Individuals who have relapsed multiple times

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

PHPs provide intensive treatment (about 6 hours/day) while allowing patients to return home in the evenings.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

IOPs offer 9–15 hours/week of therapy, group counseling, and medication management.

Best for:

• Individuals stepping down from inpatient care

• Those needing a flexible schedule for work/school

Outpatient Treatment

General outpatient care involves fewer hours per week and is ideal for individuals with strong support systems and mild-to-moderate OUD.

Telehealth and Virtual Programs

Remote MAT, therapy, and recovery coaching have expanded access to care—especially in rural or underserved communities. A 2023 Renew Health report showed that clients in hybrid care (telehealth + in-person) were 35% more likely to complete 90 days of treatment.

The Role of Detox: First Step, Not Final Step

Detoxification (detox) is the process of clearing opioids from the body, usually under medical supervision. It’s crucial for safely managing withdrawal symptoms but is not a standalone treatment.

Medical detox may involve:

• Buprenorphine or methadone to taper opioids

• Non-opioid medications for nausea, anxiety, or insomnia

• Vital sign monitoring and hydration support

Important Note: Detox without follow-up treatment drastically increases the risk of relapse and overdose. Always combine detox with ongoing care.

Peer Support and Community-Based Options

Peer support can play a powerful role in recovery. Hearing from others who have walked a similar path offers validation, hope, and practical tips for staying sober.

Support Groups

• 12-Step Programs (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous): Spiritual and community-based

• SMART Recovery: Science-based, CBT-informed, secular

• LifeRing or Refuge Recovery: Alternative options for those seeking non-traditional paths

Recovery Coaches and Peer Mentors

These trained individuals with lived experience in recovery provide encouragement, resource navigation, and emotional support.

Sober Living Houses

Transitional housing that provides structure, accountability, and a drug-free environment during early recovery.

Technology in Recovery: Apps and Digital Tools

Digital health platforms are transforming how we access and sustain recovery. From online therapy to tracking tools, tech-based solutions are proving their worth.

Examples:

• reSET-O®: An FDA-approved app that uses CBT modules and check-ins for people in MAT

• Sober Grid: Social network for individuals in recovery

• MyStrength®: Personalized mental health content and mood tracking

These tools are not replacements for therapy or medication, but they provide valuable support between sessions.

Integrated Care for Co-Occurring Disorders

Many people with OUD also struggle with depression, PTSD, anxiety, or chronic pain. Integrated treatment models address both addiction and mental health in one coordinated plan.

Benefits of integrated care:

• Reduces fragmentation

• Improves communication among providers

• Leads to better long-term outcomes

Renew Health’s integrated care model includes therapists, psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and addiction specialists—all working together on the same page.

Tailoring Treatment to the Individual

There’s no universal best treatment—only what’s best for you. The most effective programs consider:

• Severity of addiction

• Type of opioids used (prescription, heroin, fentanyl)

• Co-occurring conditions

• History of trauma

• Work, family, and legal obligations

• Location and access needs

A young adult experimenting with pills may benefit from outpatient MAT and therapy. A long-term heroin user with multiple overdoses may need inpatient stabilization and long-term support. Personalization is everything.

Cost, Insurance, and Accessibility

Cost is often a major concern—but there are options:

• Private Insurance: Most ACA-compliant plans cover addiction treatment and MAT

• Medicaid/Medicare: Coverage varies by state but usually includes both MAT and therapy

• Sliding Scale Clinics: Offer income-adjusted fees

• Grants and Scholarships: Many nonprofits and states fund addiction care programs

• Telehealth Savings: Reduces transportation and time costs

SAMHSA’s treatment locator (findtreatment.gov) helps connect individuals to affordable, nearby care.

Actionable Takeaways

• Explore MAT options like buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone—they’re proven to work.

• Combine medication with therapy such as CBT or MI for best results.

• Choose the right care level: inpatient, outpatient, or telehealth depending on your needs.

• Don’t stop at detox: Continue with long-term support and relapse prevention.

• Lean into peer support through group meetings, recovery coaching, or apps.

• Look for integrated care that treats both addiction and mental health together.

• Ask about insurance and sliding scales—cost should never block access to help.

• Recovery is not linear: If you slip, that’s not failure—it’s feedback.

Conclusion

Opioid addiction may feel like it has taken over your life—but treatment options are more robust, effective, and personalized than ever. Whether you start with medication, therapy, telehealth, or a combination of all three, the important thing is this: there is a path forward, and it can be tailored to your needs. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight. But with the right plan, the right people, and the right tools, it does happen. And it starts with understanding your options. You’ve taken the first step by reading this guide. Let the next step be one of action—and hope.

Renew Health: Your Partner in Opioid Addiction Treatment

Phone: 575‑363‑HELP (4357)
Website: www.renewhealth.com