Opioid Use Disorder Treatment & Recovery

Treatment for opioid use disorder is intervention designed and provided by healthcare professions to help those suffering from opioid use disorder stop substance use and remain sober and drug free. Recovery is a lifelong process through which individuals are are able to overcome or manage their disease and improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. In both treatment and recovery individuals are taught the skills and tools to manage setbacks, because setbacks are a natural part of life. Resilience is a key component of long-term recovery.

Doctor holding the hand of a patient.

Opioid Treatment Options

There are many different treatment options available, these include but are not limited to:

  • Licensed Mental Health Professionals

    • For example psychiatrists and psychologists

  • Treatment Centers

    • There are in-patient and out-patient options

  • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

    • A combination of behavioral health therapy and medication, learn more below

Medical doctor in a blue shirt and tie.

Medical Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Medical Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the newest treatment option for opioid use disorder. It stabilizes the craving and withdrawal cycles users experience during withdrawal from opioids through medication (buprenorphine) administered by a doctor. When withdrawal symptoms are prevented, users in treatment can begin to make steps toward recovery. The ultimate goal of MAT is full recovery, including the ability to live a self-directed life. This treatment approach has been shown to help anyone who:

  • Is tired of living with the cycle of craving and withdrawal from Prescription Opioids or Heroin.

  • Has received a diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder.

  • Is ready to address the underlying causes of addictive behaviors related to opioid abuse.

  • Wants to improve birth outcomes for women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant.

  • Wants to increase the ability to gain and maintain employment, while decreasing illegal opioid use and other criminal activity.

Doctor in white explaining a report to a patient in Oklahoma.

Treatment Providers

Below is a link to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA) Treatment Search. Chose your location and then use the Facility Types filter to find providers in your area. If you are interested in MAT providers please choose “Buprenorphine Practitioners”

Two women talking about the opioid crisis in Oklahoma.

Peer Recovery
Support Specialists

Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS) are people who have been successful in their recovery journey and are now in long-term recovery. They provide a shared understanding of the experience, respect, and mutual empowerment. Peer Recovery Support Specialists’s help people stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Peer-based recovery group giving support to each other.

Peer-Based Recovery
Support Organizations

Peer-Based Recovery Support Organizations are free, peer-led groups that developed to help people with substance use disorders and other addiction-related problems. These organizations support those in recovery by focusing on the exchange of common experiences and coping skills in a stigma-free environment. Peer-Based Recovery Support Organizations include: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, LifeRing, Women for Sobriety and Celebrate Recovery.