Understanding Evidence-Based Treatment for Opioid Addiction
By Dr. Joy Moseri-Cooper, DBA, MA, MBA, LPC, CPCS, SAP, CACII, MAC July 13, 2026
The opioid epidemic continues to affect individuals, families, and communities across Georgia and the United States. Every day, lives are impacted by prescription opioid misuse, heroin use, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. While opioid addiction is a serious medical condition, it is also highly treatable. One of the most effective treatments available today is Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).
Unfortunately, many myths and misconceptions continue to prevent people from seeking treatment. At Newport Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, we believe education is one of the first steps toward recovery. Understanding what MOUD is—and what it is not—can help individuals and families make informed decisions about treatment.
What is MOUD?
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is the use of FDA-approved medications, combined with counseling and recovery support services, to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). MOUD helps individuals stabilize physically and emotionally while reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms that often lead to continued opioid use.
Research has consistently shown that MOUD:
• Reduces opioid use
• Decreases the risk of overdose
• Improves treatment retention
• Reduces criminal justice involvement
• Improves employment and family stability
• Increases long-term recovery success
MOUD is considered the gold standard of care for Opioid Use Disorder by leading medical and behavioral health organizations.
Opioid Addiction is a Medical Condition
Many people still believe opioid addiction is simply a lack of willpower or poor decision making. The truth is that Opioid Use Disorder is a chronic medical disease that affects brain function, behavior, and physical health. Repeated opioid use changes the brain’s reward system, making it extremely difficult to stop using without medical treatment and behavioral support. Like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma, opioid addiction often requires ongoing treatment and long-term management. Recovery is possible but people should not be expected to recover through willpower alone.
FDA-Approved Medications
Several medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Opioid Use Disorder.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that:
• Reduces withdrawal symptoms
• Decreases cravings
• Has a lower risk of misuse than full opioid agonists
• Allows individuals to function normally while participating in treatment
Buprenorphine is available in several formulations, including tablets, films, and long-acting injectable medications.
Extended-Release Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that:
• Blocks the effects of opioids
• Prevents opioid intoxication
• Helps reduce relapse risk
• Is administered as a monthly injection
Individuals must complete detoxification before beginning naltrexone treatment.
Methadone
Methadone is a full opioid agonist provided through federally regulated Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs).
It has been used successfully for decades to:
• Reduce illicit opioid use
• Improve treatment retention
• Reduce overdose risk
• Improve long-term recovery outcomes
When clinically indicated, Newport coordinates referrals to licensed OTPs to ensure individuals have access to the full range of FDA-approved treatment options.
MOUD is More Than Medication
Medication alone is not recovery.
At Newport Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, MOUD is delivered as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes:
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Medication management
• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• Family counseling
• Peer Recovery Support
• Recovery coaching
• SMART Recovery
• Case management
• Employment navigation
• Recovery housing coordination
• Transportation assistance
• Relapse prevention
• Infectious disease screening
• Overdose prevention education
This integrated approach addresses the medical, psychological, emotional, and social aspects of recovery.
Common Myths About MOUD
Myth: “You’re just replacing one drug with another.”
Fact: MOUD is prescribed medication used under medical supervision to treat a chronic disease.
It is no different than insulin for diabetes or blood pressure medication for hypertension.
The goal is recovery—not intoxication.
Myth: “People should detox and quit completely.”
Fact: Detoxification alone has very high relapse rates.
Many individuals who relapse after detox have lost opioid tolerance, significantly increasing their risk of overdose.
MOUD dramatically reduces that risk.
Myth: “MOUD isn’t real recovery.”
Fact: Recovery is defined by improved health, functioning, relationships, and quality of life—not by whether someone takes prescribed medication.
Many individuals receiving MOUD return to work, reunite with family, complete school, and live healthy, productive lives.
Recovery Looks Different for Everyone There is no single path to recovery.
Some individuals remain on medication for extended periods.
Others eventually taper under medical supervision.
Treatment decisions should always be made collaboratively between the individual and their healthcare provider based on:
• Clinical stability
• Recovery progress
• Participant goals
• Medical history
• Risk of relapse
• Personal preferences
Recovery is individualized—not one-size-fits-all.
The Importance of Family Support
Families often struggle to understand opioid addiction.
Learning about MOUD can reduce stigma and improve support for loved ones.
Family members can help by:
• Encouraging treatment
• Learning about addiction
• Participating in family counseling
• Keeping naloxone available
• Supporting long-term recovery
Recovery is strongest when individuals are surrounded by informed, supportive communities.
Overdose Prevention Saves Lives
The rise of illicit fentanyl has dramatically increased overdose deaths across the country.
Everyone receiving treatment for Opioid Use Disorder should receive education about overdose prevention, including:
• Recognizing overdose symptoms
• Calling 911 immediately
• Administering naloxone
• Safe medication storage
• Avoiding polysubstance use
At Newport, overdose prevention is integrated into every stage of treatment.
Recovery Is Possible
Thousands of people recover from opioid addiction every year.
Recovery does not happen overnight—but with the right medical care, counseling, peer support, and community resources, long-term recovery is achievable.
Seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness.
It is one of the strongest decisions a person can make.
Newport Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Can Help
At Newport Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals living with Opioid Use Disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Our integrated treatment approach includes:
• Comprehensive Clinical Assessments
• Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
• Psychiatric Evaluation and Medication Management
• Individual, Group, and Family Counseling
• Residential Withdrawal Management
• Intensive Outpatient Programs
• Certified Peer Recovery Support
• SMART Recovery
• Recovery Coaching
• Telehealth Services
• Recovery Housing Coordination
• Employment Navigation
• Long-Term Recovery Planning
Whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone you love, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, you are not alone.
Recovery begins with reaching out.
Contact Newport Integrated Behavioral Healthcare today to schedule a confidential assessment and learn how Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) can help you or your loved one begin a healthier, more hopeful future.
Phone: (404) 289-8223
Address: 1810 Moseri Road, Decatur, GA 30032
Website: https://nibhinc.com
