Contemplation may look like “I am thinking about quitting, but may not yet,” or “I might have a problem, but I am not ready to stop using yet.” We have compiled some resources to help you know what your options are when you are ready to either reduce your use or stop using.
MOUD stands for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. If you or a family member want to reduce or stop opioid use, there are evidence-based medications available to do this safely. MOUD can be used to detox from opioids and as long-term treatment. MOUD has been found to reduce mortality rates and increase quality of life.
Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors and is usually given in liquid form.
Buprenorphine is partial opioid agonist. It usually comes in a film that you dissolve in your mouth. Pills, 30-day injections, and implants are also options.
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist and works by blocking opioid receptors so that they do not become activated. Naltrexone can be taken in pill form or a 28-day injection.
There are some common misconceptions about MOUD. Chances are, if you have a question about it, that question has already been answered. Here are some resources that dispel these myths, along with some of the most common myths.
Thinking of detoxing off opioids but you aren’t ready for medication maintenance? Here is some information on what detox only treatment might be like.
There is no one approach to detoxification that works well for everyone. Some people are switched to methadone where the dose is gradually reduced over a period of a week. Other medications, such as clonidine, can be integrated into this process to help relieve physical symptoms and shorten withdrawal time. Buprenorphine, such as Suboxone or Subutex, can also be used for detox. However, MOUD are recommended for long periods of at least 6 months (and preferably over 12 months) and the post detox period has been associated with a higher risk of overdose, so please take care and check our harm reduction resources.
Medication-assisted treatment has been proven to help with “recovery” rates and save lives. This mindset only serves to stigmatize effective treatments that can benefit those struggling with substance use disorders. MOUD treatments are longer-acting and safer medications to help overcome dangerous opioid use. MOUD has been found to keep people healthier, reduce exposure to the justice system, and help prevent drug-related diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.
A more inclusive and harm-reduction approach to recovery could be better explained by this definition: A dynamic process of change characterized by improvements in health and social functioning, as well as increases in well-being and purpose in life.
Substance use can hijack the natural reward pathway and overwhelm the brain with feelings of pleasure, changing a person’s self-control and ability to make sound decisions.
Ultimately, it is your choice when it comes to picking the best medication for you. Your choice may change over time and you always have the ability to change it.
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If in the contemplation phase, you might find your loved one acknowledging how their substance use is impacting them. There may be some hesitation to treatment, but this stage is all about being open to exploring all of the options that are available to them.
Stigma is a huge barrier for people accessing treatment for opioid use disorder. Stigma can come from families, providers, and even the person looking for treatment. As a family or friend of someone struggling with substance use, your encouragement and support for treatment can be impactful. In addition, your support when talking to professionals who might be stigmatizing can help your loved one feel safe and heard in these interactions.
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions around treatment, check out the myths around treatment discussed above.
NAMI is an additional resource that can be used: https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups/NAMI-Family-Support-Group
If you need extra support, there are groups such as Al-Anon that you can attend. Al-anon is for family and loved ones of someone who is struggling with substance use.
Now that you are contemplating treatment options, here are some questions to consider. When you feel confident in your ability to move forward, visit our Preparation and Action stages to see what other resources are out there for you.
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