Opioid Use Support in Primary Care
What is Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioid use disorder, or OUD, is the medical term for when a person's use of opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, or pills like Oxycodone, is causing problems in their life, even if they want to stop. OUD is a medical condition, and there are effective medications that may help ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Getting started
When someone decides they are ready, our goal is to help them start medication as quickly as possible. The next step is to make an appointment with a medical provider to discuss care options that fall withing Neighborcare Health's primary care services. Depending on the patient's needs and the provider's clinical judgment, some patients may be able to receive a prescription the same day as of their first appointment.
Medication options in primary care
At Neighborcare Health, medications used to treat OUD may be available as part of primary medical care services. These may include buprenorphine, sometimes known by the brand names Suboxone, Sublocade, or Brixadi. Buprenorphine may be taken as a pill or film under the tongue or given as an injection weekly or monthly. Naltrexone, sometimes known by the brand name Vivitrol, may also be an option and is given as a monthly shot.
Neighborcare Health views medication support for OUD as part of whole-person primary care, similar to care for other ongoing health concerns, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. As with all of our patients, integrated behavioral health services are available to support patients who are making changes or experiencing stress, worries, or other health concerns.
For patients who are looking for services beyond Neighborcare Health’s primary care setting, your care team can help identify outside resources.
Find a clinic in your neighborhood and make an appointment with a primary care provider to discuss your health care needs, including whether medication options may be appropriate for you.