Treatment is effective and recovery is possible. FDA-approved medications, combined with counseling and social support, have been shown to be effective at reducing opioid use and helping people recover. This combined approach reduces the likelihood a person will return to use and increases the odds of successful, long-term recovery in people with opioid use disorder.

Returning to opioid use does not mean treatment has failed. As with the treatment of any substance use disorder, people may return to using opioids, but it does not mean treatment has failed. Treatment of any chronic condition involves changing deeply rooted behaviors. If a person returns to using opioids, they should talk with their healthcare provider and discuss their treatment plan.

Treatment with medication is a medical standard of care. Research shows that medication should be the first line of treatment when addressing opioid use disorder. Medication is often combined with behavioral therapy, counseling, case management, and/or recovery support services. FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are safe and effective and can help with reducing cravings to take opioids.

Stopping drug use is just one part of a recovery process. When people enter treatment, opioid use disorder has often harmed their health and how they function in their family, at work, and in the community. Treatment addresses many aspects of a person’s life. There are many services available to assist people in recovery with medical, mental health, social, employment, family, legal, and other needs.

Find local treatment and recovery services by using the maps on our community pages. These maps list healthcare providers that prescribe medications for opioid use disorder, recovery support services including support groups, and other resources for treating opioid use disorder and preventing overdoses.