Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a serious medical condition and treatment is available.
Opioid use disorder is a chronic, treatable medical condition, but many concerned friends or family members might not understand the condition or how it can be effectively treated.
An opioid use disorder is the result of changes in the brain that make opioid use difficult or impossible to stop without adequate support. The compulsive behaviors and brain changes from opioid use disorder, like other substance use disorders, are not necessarily permanent. People can and do recover from opioid use disorder, especially with the help of
treatment as there are safe, effective and lifesaving tools available to help people.
Medications for OUD can help manage symptoms of opioid use disorder and help people to stop using opioids.
What are medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)?
MOUD are medications to treat OUD. MOUD can be provided alone, or in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. MOUD are safe and effective and significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services.
During an assessment between the medical provider and patient, treatment options are discussed. There are three medications approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of OUD:
Get help now
- Visit the Choose Change California website to get information on treatment process or
locate treatment services near you.
- Visit the
ATLAS treatment finder to identify treatment options that work for your needs.
- Visit the
California Substance Use Line at (844) 326-2626. The call is free, open 24/7 and provides teleconsultation services for California physicians, nurses and other clinicians with questions about substance use prevention and treatment efforts.
- Medi-Cal provides substance use disorder (SUD) services for eligible individuals. Contact your county for SUD services or information by using the
SUD County Access Line.
- For immediate support when experiencing a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use- related crisis: text/call for the
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Additional Support and Resources
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CalHOPE provides a comprehensive set of resources, including crisis counseling, resources for children and teens, housing assistance, mental health and substance use supports and resources for service members and veterans.
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CalFresh offers food benefits for families on a limited income.
- The Department of Health Care Services maintains a list of
substance use resources for individuals and families.
- For free, confidential, local support services, connect with your
local 2-1-1 or dial 2-1-1 from any phone. Local 2-1-1 programs can provide information and referrals to services for employment, housing, food and nutrition, mental health, homelessness and crisis support.
