Living with opioid use disorder (OUD) can feel isolating. Managing cravings, exploring treatment options, and navigating stigma are common challenges. If you’ve been diagnosed with OUD, you’re not alone. About 6.1 million people ages 12 and older in the United States are affected. Recovery is possible, and having access to the right guidance and treatment may make the process feel more manageable.

Medication can help reduce OUD symptoms and support daily functioning. At ReKlame Health, we provide guidance on treatment options, along with psychiatric medication management, to support you on your recovery path.

Let’s explore three medication options that may help address OUD.

3 medication options for opioid use disorder

Your health history, substance use patterns, and recovery goals all play a role in determining which medication may be most helpful. Several FDA-approved options are available and have been shown to support people managing OUD. Pairing medication with mental health support can offer a more comprehensive approach and may improve outcomes.

Your provider may recommend one of the following options:

1. Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is commonly used as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for OUD. It’s a partial opioid agonist, meaning it can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while producing milder effects than full opioids. This balance may help stabilize symptoms and support recovery.

Buprenorphine isn’t readily available in the U.S. just yet, but it’s available as a combination with naloxone, most often as tablets or sublingual films. It can be prescribed in an outpatient setting, which may make treatment more accessible.

2. Suboxone

Suboxone is a combination medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings, while naloxone blocks opioid effects if the medication is misused. Together, these components make Suboxone a commonly used option for managing OUD.

Suboxone is typically taken as a sublingual film or tablet that dissolves in the mouth. For many people, it can support stability, reduce relapse risk, and help maintain engagement in treatment. Your provider can answer questions, monitor progress, and adjust treatment as needed to support safety and effectiveness.

3. Naltrexone

In addition to buprenorphine-based options, naltrexone may be part of an integrated treatment plan for some people. Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids and reducing the rewarding sensations associated with use. This mechanism may help lower cravings and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Naltrexone is also used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD).

At ReKlame, naltrexone is prescribed in pill form only, primarily for AUD treatment. While it is not always recommended for OUD at our clinic, it may be appropriate for some individuals. Your provider can help determine whether this option aligns with your needs and recovery goals. In other settings, it may be prescribed as an extended-release injection for OUD. We can alost coordinate with community partners to administer monthly Vivitrol (naltrexone) injections.

How psychiatric medication management can help

Medication is one part of recovery, and ongoing support from a qualified provider can make a meaningful difference. Psychiatric medication management includes regular check-ins with a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC).

Ongoing medication management can:

• Monitor for side effects
• Address co-occurring mental health needs, such as depression or anxiety
• Adjust treatment as needs change
• Identify patterns in symptoms
• Track progress over time
• Support long-term recovery efforts
  

This proactive approach may enhance safety, reduce relapse risk, and support overall well-being. At ReKlame, we use an integrated care model that combines medication management with mental health support. Through personalized care, we aim to make the recovery process feel more manageable.

ReKlame can help you explore medication options for managing OUD

Finding the right treatment for OUD is an important step in recovery. For many people, medication can help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and create stability that supports progress.

At ReKlame, our board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners can help you explore your options and develop a treatment plan that reflects your unique needs. By combining medication with mental health support and ongoing care, treatment can address both physical and emotional aspects of recovery. You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our care team is here to answer questions, provide guidance, and support you as you take your next step forward.

Give our care team a call today for more information, check your eligibility for free online or book an initial appointment online.