Preparation may look like “I want to start treatment with MOUD but I am not sure where to start with the process.” Now that you have a good overview of what MOUD is, let’s offer you some resources on where to access MOUD treatment. In addition, there are other resources that will be helpful for your treatment and recovery goals.
The best resource to use is the SAMHSA treatment locator. This locator will help you find MOUD resources, but also inpatient and outpatient services for substance use treatment if you are looking for behavioral health treatment
There is also a buprenorphine treatment-specific locator on SAMHSA’s website. For buprenorphine, you might also be able to ask your primary care physician if they are willing to prescribe it to you
It can help you locate treatment, support groups, and community-based organizations
There are support groups specifically hosted for people on MOUD by the Medication Assisted Recovery Anonymous (MARA):
12 Step Groups and other recovery support groups can also be helpful with this transition in your life. The typical meetings are Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. There are other recovery groups like SMART recovery and faith-based groups at local churches. You can find meetings at these websites:
You can also google your location+AA meetings to find ones near you
You can also google your location+NA meetings to find ones near you
Sometimes transportation can be a barrier to getting to medical appointments. Some insurance plans have a benefit where you can call them and get transportation to and from your medical appointments.
Medicaid covers transportation to medical, dental, mental health, and substance use disorder treatment appointments. It also covers picking up prescriptions and medical supplies. Check with your insurance to see if they have these benefits for you to help alleviate this barrier for you.
It is also worth asking the treatment center or provider if they offer rides to and from your appointments. Some places offer this options or have different funding to help with transportation.
The cost of MOUD is very context dependent and most people do not pay out of pocket for MOUD. However, the best way to figure out your individual situation is to talk to your doctor and pharmacist. Some providers may be able to connect you with organizations in your area that can help cover the cost of MOUD. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Due to the Medicaid Expansion, state Medicaid programs must cover the cost of all FDA approved treatments for opioid use disorder, which includes methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
If the cost of it is still too high, there are some resources that offer coupons
GoodRx is a great resource where you can search the medication name and find coupons
The prices of these medications may vary depending on your insurance and also include office visits that may come with a treatment plan. Call and consult with your insurance company on which medication is covered by them, along with what their coverage of office visits is.
MOUD can be expensive, check with your insurance provider on how much the medication may cost you
The price of MOUD can vary based on many factors. The U.S. Department of Defense for treatment in a certified opioid treatment program (OTP) has provided a basis for cost comparison:
Methadone treatment, which includes medication and psychosocial and medical support assuming daily visits: $126 per week or $6,552 per year
Buprenorphine provided in a certified OTP, including twice-weekly visits:
$115 per week of $5,980 per year
Naltrexone provided in an OTP, including drug, drug administration, and related services:
$1,176.50 per month or $14,112 per year
Due to the Medicaid Expansion, state Medicaid programs must cover the cost of all FDA approved treatments for opioid use disorder, which includes methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
MOUD can be expensive, check with your insurance provider on how much the medication may cost you
If the cost of it is still too high, there are some resources that offer coupons
GoodRx is a great resource where you can search the medication name and find coupons
The price of MOUD can vary based on many factors. The U.S. Department of Defense for treatment in a certified opioid treatment program (OTP) has provided a basis for cost comparison:
Methadone treatment, which includes medication and psychosocial and medical support assuming daily visits: $126 per week or $6,552 per year
Buprenorphine provided in a certified OTP, including twice-weekly visits:
$115 per week of $5,980 per year
Naltrexone provided in an OTP, including drug, drug administration, and related services:
$1,176.50 per month or $14,112 per year
The prices of these medications may vary depending on your insurance and also include office visits that may come with a treatment plan. Call and consult with your insurance company on which medication is covered by them, along with what their coverage of office visits is.
In the event you are able to take your medication home, it is important to store them safely.
Your doctor should always do a pregnancy test with you before starting medication. If you are planning to get pregnant during the course of being on MOUD, speak with your provider about your options as some medications are better than others during pregnancy.
Some research suggests that methadone and buprenorphine (Subutex) use during pregnancy can help improve newborn outcomes and outcomes of those who are pregnant. There may be some withdrawal in the infant and cannot be ruled out completely.
Methadone and buprenorphine are the first-line therapy options for pregnant people.
Noenatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is expected to follow exposure to MOUD, but shouldn’t deter someone from getting help. Make sure to collaborate with your pediatric care team to ensure that an infant born to someone who uses opioids or MOUD during pregnancy is monitored for NAS and and receives appropriate treatment.
MOUD use during pregnancy has been found to help with reducing repeated prenatal withdrawal, improve long term health outcomes for mom and baby, lower risk of NAS, less severe NAS, shorter treatment time, and higher gestational age, weight, and head circumference at birth.
MOUD has also been found to improve the likelihood that parents retain custody of their children.
Stigma means labeling, stereotyping, or discrimination.—Define stigma better and put some examples, things that could also be subtle but make you feel bad
Stigma can come from friends, family, health providers, and even internally.
Stigma has been found to damage the health and well-being of people with a substance use disorder and interferes with the quality of care they receive.
When going to a new provider, it might be helpful to bring someone with you who can be a support system.
Hopkins Medicine has a table on what language to use instead of using stigmatizing language. If you notice someone using this language, correct them if you feel comfortable. You should not be made to feel bad for seeking treatment. Refer to this website to know more: Website Link
Ask for more clarification: “Could you say more about what you mean by that?”
Separate intent from impact: “I know you didn’t realize this, but when you _____ (comment/behavior), it was hurtful/offensive because ____.
Instead you could say ____.
Talking openly about substance use disorders
Be aware of the language you are using
Be honest about treatment and normalize it, it is just like other health care treatment
Educate yourself and others, along with responding to misconceptions and negative comments
Encourage equality between physical illness and substance use disorders by drawing comparisons to how they would treat someone with cancer or diabetes
Show compassion for people with substance use disorders
Choose empowerment over shame
For additional resources on responding to stigma and microaggressions, check out these websites:
The National Drug Helpline is for people who are dealing with substance use issues, including family members and other loved one.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is also available at 988
This is an exciting stage, but can also come with its ups and downs. For yourself prepare to set boundaries while your loved one is in treatment, discuss what their goals are with them and ensure you are on the same page, and also engage in your own type of recovery or healing.
NAMI is an additional resource that can be used: https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups/NAMI-Family-Support-Group
Al-Anon is a helpful support group for family and loved ones of someone who is struggling with substance use.
Spending time in the preparation phase is important in setting yourself up for success in the subsequent phases.
You will be able to download them or send them to yourself to keep them.
Welcome to the MOUD Hub. If you need help figuring out where to start, follow this quick assessment.
