Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Medication-assisted recovery (MAR) is a comprehensive treatment approach for opioid use disorder that combines the use of medications with counseling, therapy, and support services. The primary goal of medication-assisted recovery is to help individuals manage their addiction, reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and improve their overall quality of life.
People who provide medications for opioid use disorders work in a range of prevention, health care, and social service settings. They include psychiatrists, psychologists, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, peer professionals and many others.
Benefits of Buprenorphine
What Are The Benefits Of MAR?
- Decreases opioid-related overdose deaths
- Decreases illicit opioid use
- Increases social functioning and retention in treatment
- Decreases criminal activity
- Decreases transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C
- Improves maternal and fetal outcomes for pregnant or breastfeeding women
IDPH Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) Recommendations
- It is standard of care for all patients with OUD to be offered MAR to reduce morbidity and mortality.
- Patients with higher metabolic needs, such as pregnant women, and patients who are accustomed to higher levels of fentanyl may need a higher dose of OUD medication.
- Patients under the care of a licensed physician or other medical providers must be provided with an appropriately prescribed dosage of medication for OUD in a timely manner based on up-to-date, evidence-based dosing considerations.
- Pharmacists and prescribers should register for IL ADVANCE one-on-one consultation to work directly with peers with the most recent evidence-based practices for MAR.
How Can I Help A Patient or Client Get Started with MAR?
offers medication on demand to IL residents seeking treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Medication-assisted recovery (MAR) involves the use of FDA-approved medications for treatment of OUD and AUD. Now an individual can speak directly with a provider over the phone, immediately receive a prescription or expedited, in-person appointment, and get transportation assistance to the pharmacy or clinic – all initiated through one phone call.
Callers can access MAR NOW 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Care managers help callers determine their best treatment options and connect them to a provider for an immediate telephone appointment and medication prescription. Care coordinators can also facilitate a same- or next-day, in-person appointment. All callers are connected to ongoing treatment with a community provider that best meets their needs.
MOUD Training and Resources
The Providers Clinical Support System - Medications for Opioid Use Disorders (PCSS-MOUD) is a SAMSHA funded national training, guidance, and clinical mentoring program to enhance the capacity of healthcare and counseling professionals to identify and treat opioid use disorder (OUD).
