What Is Opioid Use Disorder and How Is It Treated?
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic medical condition that changes how your brain and body respond to opioids. At MedMark Treatment Centers, you’ll receive evidence-based, medically supervised care that supports stability over time, with a plan built around your needs and goals.
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What Does OUD Mean?
OUD develops when opioids bind to mu-opioid receptors in your brain and trigger dopamine release, which can create a sense of relief or euphoria. Over time, your brain undergoes changes in response to repeated opioid exposure. You may need more opioids to get the same effect, or just to feel normal.Â
As your body becomes physiologically dependent, stopping or spacing doses can bring withdrawal symptoms that feel painful or overwhelming. OUD often includes strong cravings, trouble controlling use, and withdrawal when opioids wear off. People with OUD may continue using opioids despite negative effects on health, relationships, or daily functioning.
Opioids Commonly Linked to OUD
Opioid use disorder may involve both prescription and illicit opioids, including:
Hydrocodone
Oxycodone
Fentanyl
Morphine
Tramadol
Heroin
Many illicit opioids now contain fentanyl, which is far more potent than heroin and greatly increases the risk of overdose and death.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder
- Needing higher opioid amounts to feel relief or avoid withdrawal
- Feeling sick, tense, or unwell when opioids are not available
- Struggling to sleep, focus, or think clearly during daily routines
- Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable more often than before
- Pulling away from work, school, family, or regular responsibilities
- Continuing opioid use despite harm to health, mood, or relationships
- Have tried to stop but could not quit on their own after multiple attempts
Why Opioid Withdrawal Makes OUD Hard to Stop
When opioid use stops suddenly, withdrawal symptoms can be intense. Fear of withdrawal often keeps people stuck in opioid use. Medically-supervised treatment helps reduce this barrier safely.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating or chills
- Anxiety and agitation
- Sleep problems
How Opioid Use Disorder Is Treated
The most effective treatment for OUD combines medication and counseling. This approach is called medication-assisted treatment, also known as MOUD (medications for opioid use disorder).
With treatment, you’ll receive:
- Medication to reduce cravings and withdrawal
- Ongoing medical monitoring by licensed providers
- Individual counseling to build coping skills
- Support services that address daily life needs
This structure helps stabilize your body so you can focus on recovery, including ending misuse, rebuilding relationships, and stabilizing your life.
Medications Used to Treat OUD
FDA-approved medications are a cornerstone of evidence-based OUD treatment in outpatient settings, including:
Methadone
- Long-acting opioid agonist
- Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Taken daily under medical supervision
- Available at all MedMark locations
Buprenorphine
- Partial opioid agonist with a lower overdose risk
- Suppresses withdrawal and cravings
- May allow less frequent sublingual dosing over time
- Available at MedMark Louisville (Murphy availability TBD)
Our Accreditation
All MedMark Treatment Centers locations are federally certified, state licensed, and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) to provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
OUD Is a Chronic Condition, Not a Moral Failure
Opioid use disorder affects brain function over time. Like other chronic medical conditions, OUD may involve periods of remission and recurrence. Relapse can happen, just as it does with other chronic illnesses. This does not mean treatment failed.
Long-term care focuses on:
- Stability and safety
- Relapse prevention strategies
- Physical and emotional wellness
- Skills for long-term recovery
With consistent support, many people build healthier, more stable lives. Reach out today to get started.
Insurance and Payment Options
We accept most private insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Veterans are eligible through the VA Community Care Network (Optum and TriWest) with prior authorization.
Testimonials and Success Stories
Medmark has been life Saving, life changing, the staff there actually CARE about you, they want you to succeed, they are always one call away. I know that might all sound crazy, like why would they care there just for the $$, but that’s FAR from the truth. If you ever have been coming in the last two years, they have made huge improvements in every part of Medmark since I’ve been here. I will always recommend because they have done so much for me and my recovery. Thank you guys!
- Verified Patient
This has been one of the most amazing experiences at any clinic I’ve ever been to!
Everyone from Dr, counselors , director ,nurses and front desk check in are all absolutely amazing ppl and I’m so grateful to have found this place they have helped me in so many ways they will never know !
- Verified Patient
The staff is very interactive and genuinely cares about their patients. The clinic presents an atmosphere that allows me to be honest with myself and others. I have never felt so cared for and supported before. I am very thankful for the staff, Dr. Watras who is so wise and informative, Counselor Liz who is very knowledgeable, understanding and relatable, Danielle who was the first person to welcome me so openly and genuinely, and Nurse Stephanie ,& Nurse Tonya who do their jobs well while expressing sincere concern for every single patient. Thank you all so much for helping me when I could not help myself. Sometimes it really takes a village.
- Verified Patient
This place has saved my life. All the staff is amazing. If you or anyone you know is struggling with opiate addiction this is the best place you can get involved with. They even have really good group meetings everyday. Med mark saves lives.
- Verified Patient
Contact Us Today to Get Started
If opioid use is affecting your life, support is available. At MedMark Treatment Centers, you’ll receive compassionate, evidence-based care designed to help you find stability and move forward. Reach out today to take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Opioid Use Disorder
What is OUD?
Opioid use disorder is a chronic condition where opioid use changes how your brain works, making it hard to stop without treatment.
Is OUD the same as addiction?
Opioid use disorder is a diagnosable medical condition defined by the DSM-5, where opioid use changes how your brain works, making it hard to stop without treatment.
Can OUD be treated?
OUD is the medical term used by healthcare providers. It reflects a clinical diagnosis and guides evidence-based treatment, not judgment.
What does MOUD mean?
MOUD stands for medications for opioid use disorder. It includes methadone and buprenorphine.
Do medications replace one addiction with another?
No. When taken as prescribed, these medications restore neurochemical balance and help your brain function normally without causing a high.
How do I start treatment?
You can contact a MedMark location to schedule an intake assessment with a licensed provider and discuss next steps.