Adult Substance Use Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment is the use of prescribed medications, in combination with counseling, to treat opioid use disorder. Services include counseling, case management and referrals to help with lifestyle changes.

What Are the Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment Services?

Medication-assisted treatment works by reducing cravings in the brain caused by a chemical imbalance. When used properly, the medications have no effect on functioning so they provide a safe way to stop potentially dangerous substance use. The treatment:

  • Reduces symptoms of withdrawal.
  • Provides help with recovery.
  • Improves quality of life and overall health and wellbeing.
  • Helps you live your life and feel like yourself again.

Who Is Eligible for Medication-Assisted Treatment Services?

Texas residents 18 and older with moderate to severe opioid use disorder for at least 12 months in a row. Your financial eligibility is based on your income and expenses, and you may need to pay for some services.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is used in medication-assisted treatment and office-based opioid treatment services to help people reduce or quit their use of heroin or other opiates, such as pain relievers. Buprenorphine helps control withdrawal symptoms and blocks cravings.

Who Is Eligible for Buprenorphine?

Anyone who has been diagnosed with opioid dependency. Buprenorphine is prescribed or dispensed in a physician’s office. Physicians can offer buprenorphine if they have a Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 waiver.

Learn more about buprenorphine.

Methadone

Methadone is used in medication-assisted treatment to help people reduce or quit their use of heroin or other opiates. Methadone is taken by mouth in a liquid form. It is dispensed daily in single doses, only by licensed opioid treatment programs.

Who Is Eligible for Methadone?

People with a moderate or severe opioid use disorder. Methadone users must be treated under the supervision of a physician.

Learn more about methadone.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone blocks opioids from acting on the brain to relieve pain and cause euphoria, which is an intense feeling of excitement or happiness. It is used in medication-assisted treatment services to treat both opioid and alcohol use disorders. Naltrexone does not help with withdrawal and cannot be started until seven to 10 days after the last opioid use, when withdrawal symptoms have passed. Naltrexone comes in a pill or as an injectable. The pill must be taken daily and the extended release injectable is administered every 30 days.

Who Is Eligible for Naltrexone?

People with an opioid use disorder who have completely withdrawn from opioids and have 7-10 days without opioid use can begin Naltrexone.

Learn more about naltrexone.

How Do I Get Medication-Assisted Treatment Services?

Call your local narcotic treatment center provider (Excel) or call the outreach, screening, assessment and referral center for your region.