![Hand arranging wood block stacking with icon healthcare medical](https://nvopioidresponse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NOCE-Website-Images-4.png)
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is an umbrella term for medications used in the treatment of opioid addiction or opioid use disorder (OUD). These medications are typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment program that also includes counseling and behavioral therapies.
There are three main types of medications used in MOUD:
Methadone: Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers, but it does so in a way that helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same euphoric effects. Methadone is usually dispensed in specialized clinics on a daily basis.
Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it also binds to opioid receptors but produces weaker effects compared to full opioid agonists like heroin or methadone. Buprenorphine helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while also blocking the effects of other opioids, which can help prevent relapse. It is often prescribed in the form of sublingual tablets or films and can be administered in a doctor’s office.
Naltrexone: Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids by binding to the same receptors in the brain without activating them. Unlike methadone and buprenorphine, which help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, naltrexone works by preventing opioids from producing any effects if they are taken. It is available in both oral and injectable forms.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Resources
Websites
Tools & Resources
Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) Resource Library
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder in Jails and Prisons: A Planning and Implementation Toolkit
Use of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Criminal Justice Settings
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Tool Kit for Peer Recovery Specialists
Publications
Decisions in Recovery: Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Services for Opioid Dependence Billing Instructions Guide
Pocket Guide: Medication-Assisted Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders
TIP 63: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
The Patient-Centered Opioid Addiction Treatment (P-COAT) Model
Posters & Infographics
![Opioid Trifold Brochures](https://nvopioidresponse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/OpioidTrifoldImage.jpg)
Opioid Trifold Brochures
![Medications for opioid overdose, withdrawal, and addiction Medications for opioid overdose, withdrawal, and addiction are safe, effective, and save lives. The National Institute on Drug Abuse supports research to develop new medicines and delivery systems to treat opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders, as well as other complications of substance use (including withdrawal and overdose), to help people choose treatments that are right for them. Medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for opioid addiction, overdose, and withdrawal work in various ways. Opioid Receptor Agonist: Medications attach to and activate opioid receptors in the brain to block withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Opioid Receptor Partial Agonist: Medications attach to and partially activate opioid receptors in the brain to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Opioid Receptor Antagonist: Medications attach to and block activity of opioid receptors in the brain. Antagonist medications that treat substance use disorders do so by preventing euphoric effects (the high) of opioids and alcohol and by reducing cravings. Antagonist medications used to treat opioid overdoses do so by reversing dangerous drug effects like slowing or stopping breathing. Adrenergic Receptor Agonist: A medication that attaches to and activates adrenergic receptors in the brain and helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Four cards show medications prescribed to reduce opioid use and cravings. Methadone is available in daily liquid or tablets. Naltrexone is available in a monthly injection. Buprenorphine available in daily tablet and weekly or monthly injection. Buprenorphine/naloxone is available in daily film that dissolves under the tongue or tablet. One card shows medication prescribed to treat withdrawal symptoms. Lofexidine is available as a tablet taken as needed. Two cards show medication used to reverse overdose. Naloxone is available as an emergency nasal spray or injection. Nalmefene is available as an emergency nasal spray or injection.](https://nvopioidresponse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NIDA_MOUD-Infographic_923.jpg)