Mind Healing & Wellness Center

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

Evidence-based medications can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms so you can focus on rebuilding your life, relationships, and health while working toward recovery from opioid use.

Medication-assisted treatment
Craving & withdrawal relief
Outpatient care
  • Ideal if opioid use has become hard to control or has led to health, work, or relationship problems.
  • Uses medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone as part of a broader plan.
  • Offered in a confidential, supportive outpatient setting.
Talk About Medication Options Or call (508) 344-7530 to speak with our team

Is this service right for you?

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) may be a good fit if you are using opioids (prescription or illicit) and want a safer, more stable way to reduce or stop use with medical support.

Common reasons people choose MOUD

  • You have tried to stop using opioids and experienced strong cravings or withdrawal.
  • You worry about overdose risk and want a safer path forward.
  • You want to stabilize enough to focus on work, school, family, or therapy.
  • You are looking for a non-judgmental team that understands addiction as a health condition, not a moral failure.

What to expect with Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

We work with you to choose a medication, dose, and follow up plan that supports stability and safety.

1

Evaluation & safety planning

Your provider reviews your opioid use, other substances, medical history, and current symptoms. Together you discuss which medication options are safest and most appropriate.

2

Medication start & stabilization

You begin medication (such as buprenorphine or extended-release naltrexone) with careful instructions. Early visits are focused on managing withdrawal, cravings, and side effects.

3

Ongoing recovery support

Once you are more stable, visits shift to maintaining gains, adjusting doses when needed, and supporting your broader recovery goals, often in combination with counseling.

How MOUD can help

Medications do not replace recovery work, but they can make it much more possible by easing the physical pull of opioids.

Medications we commonly use

Specific choices depend on your needs and history.

  • Buprenorphine-based medications (for example, Suboxone)
  • Extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol)
  • Other supports as clinically indicated
  • Coordination with other prescribed medications

Benefits of medication support

Many people describe feeling more able to live their lives.

  • Reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  • Lower risk of overdose when used as prescribed
  • More stability for work, school, and relationships
  • Space to focus on therapy and long-term goals

Our philosophy of care

We meet you where you are.

  • Non-judgmental, harm-reduction informed approach
  • Respect for your autonomy and lived experience
  • Honest conversations about risks, benefits, and options
  • Support for your definition of recovery and success

Frequently asked questions

Here are a few questions people often ask before starting medications for opioid use disorder.

This is a common concern, but research shows that medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone, when used as prescribed, reduce overdose risk and improve functioning. We talk openly about how the medications work, why they are used, and how they fit into your recovery goals.
No. Our model is outpatient, not a daily dosing clinic. After the initial stabilization period, visits are usually spaced out, depending on your needs, safety, and medication type.
Yes, and we strongly encourage it. Medication addresses part of opioid use disorder, while therapy and peer support help with coping skills, relationships, and long-term change. We are happy to coordinate care with your other supports.

Explore medications for opioid use disorder

If opioids have taken over more of your life than you want, you are not alone. Share a bit about what you are facing and we can talk through whether medication may be a helpful part of your recovery plan.

Complete our intake form Call (508) 344-7530
Medically Reviewed By
Grace Mbuya, PMHNP-BC
Chief Operations Officer & PMHNP Manager / Head Nurse Practitioner
Mind Healing & Wellness Center — Worcester & Northborough, MA
Reviewed: January 2025
Grace oversees psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and integrated treatment planning for adults dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and substance use treatment.