Opioid addiction
is a medical
condition.
Not a willpower problem. Not a moral failing. A treatable disorder of brain chemistry - and getting off opioids safely takes medical support, not shame.
Fentanyl is in
almost everything now.
If an opioid didn't come from a pharmacy, treat it as fentanyl. Heroin, pressed “oxy” or “Percocet,” “blues,” M30s - even cocaine and meth - are turning up contaminated.
If someone is unresponsive, call 911 immediately.
Brutal - but
not deadly on its own.
Here's the good news: opioid withdrawal is temporary, and with the right medical support it can be remarkably manageable. Modern medications make the process far more comfortable than most people expect, and every hour you move through it is a step toward feeling like yourself again.
Anxiety, sweating, runny nose, yawning, cravings begin.
Bone pain, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, insomnia. The hard part.
Physical symptoms fade. Mood and sleep take longer.
Medication-assisted
treatment
overview.
Three FDA-approved medications are commonly used in opioid use disorder care, each with a distinct profile and decades of clinical research behind it.
- I
Buprenorphine
Suboxone · SublocadeA partial opioid agonist available as a daily film or tablet, or as a monthly injection. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings while having a ceiling effect that limits euphoria. Commonly prescribed in primary care and telehealth settings.
- II
Methadone
Daily liquid · OTP clinicA long-acting full opioid agonist dispensed through federally licensed Opioid Treatment Programs. Often associated with stabilization in cases involving high tolerance, prolonged heroin use, or significant fentanyl exposure. Take-home doses are introduced over time.
- III
Naltrexone
Vivitrol · Monthly shotAn opioid antagonist administered as a monthly extended-release injection. It blocks the effects of opioids at the receptor level. Initiation typically requires a period of 7 to 10 days without opioids in the system.
Where treatment
actually happens.
Bicycle Health, Ophelia, Workit Health and others prescribe in most states from a video visit.
Daily dosing on-site at first.
Therapy and group support a few times a week, alongside medication.
3–7 days inpatient detox, often followed by 30–90 days residential. For when home isn't safe or polysubstance use is in play.
You can start
today.
Tell us a little about what's going on. A real person - not a bot - will help you understand your options. Most people hear back within minutes.
- 100% confidential
- MAT-friendly providers
- Insurance verified free
Trusted,
opioid-specific.
- Alcohol AwarenessEducation and resources for alcohol use disorderalcoholawareness.org →
- National Depression HotlineConfidential support for depression, 24/7nationaldepressionhotline.org →
- National Mental Health SupportMental health resources and crisis supportnationalmentalhealthsupport.com →
- NJ Addiction HotlineNew Jersey addiction treatment referralsnjaddictionhotline.com →