Dose of Reality: Opioids Treatment and Recovery

Many options to help you live your best life

There are as many paths to health and wellness as there are people experiencing an opioid use disorder. Some people find success quitting opioids on their own with no supports from others. For most people, the path includes a combination of clinical supports and peer supports. Regardless of the path, it is important to know that the journey to sustained recovery is often full of ups and downs. Still, sustained recovery is within reach for everyone.

Get help now

• The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline is a statewide resource for finding treatment services and recovery supports. It is a free service that is available 24/7. Call 211 or 833-944-4673.
• The Shatterproof Treatment Atlas allows you to compare treatment facilities to see which provide high-quality care. This free service provides information on facility protocols, types of treatments offered, and insurance and alternate methods of payment accepted.

Medications for opioid use disorder

The medications for opioid use disorder approved by the Food and Drug Administration include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. The medications work to reduce cravings and most help with withdrawal symptoms.

• Methadone: Methadone is available as a daily liquid. Patients take it at a certified opioid treatment program until they are cleared for at-home doses.
• Buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Subutex®, Zubsolv®, Sublocade®): Buprenorphine is available as a dissolving tablet, cheek film, or six-month implant under the skin. Health care professionals prescribe the at-home doses (tablet or film) or administer the implant in an office setting.
• Naltrexone (Vivitrol®): Naltrexone is available as a monthly injection. Any health care professional who can legally prescribe medication can provide it.

A treatment plan that includes medications for opioid use disorder also typically incudes counseling or therapy. The counseling or therapy helps people change their attitudes and behaviors related to opioid use, prevents a recurrence of opioid use, and keeps people in recovery longer.

The first step in being prescribed medications for opioid use disorder as part of a treatment plan is talking with your health care provider or one of the providers listed below to learn which medication is best for you. If you are unable to pay for medications for opioid use disorder, contact your tribal nation or county health and human services department.

Know your rights

Wisconsin's Client Rights Law ensures people receiving care and treatment for an opioid use disorder are treated with dignity and respect. Learn more about client rights in Wisconsin.

Recovery through work: Individual Placement and Support

One of our goals is to help people in recovery attain economic opportunity and mobility that not only improves their well-being but also benefits our state as a whole. Many counties are using the Individual Placement and Support model of supported employment to expand employment opportunities for people in recovery and foster the development of recovery-ready workplace policies and cultures. Learn more about Individual Placement and Support.

Resources for supporting your loved one in recovery

Family members and friends can take steps to support their loved one in their journey to recover from an opioid use disorder. Use our Resources for Supporting Your Loved One in Recovery, P-03594 (PDF) as a guide for this work. 

Not ready for treatment and recovery?

Until you (or someone you love) is ready to get help, it is important to know that there are things you can do to keep yourself safe. Following a few tips for safer use can help you and the people you care about stay alive and well.

Tips for safer use