Module 1, Unit 3: MOUD Myths & Misconceptions
Mythbusting Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
Think about some of the statements you may have heard about MOUD…
- “MOUD gets in the way of recovery or slows recovery down.”
- “People use MOUD just “‘to get high.’”
Now consider:
- Are they accurate?
- Where do these ideas come from?
ASU Presents: The Experts on MOUD
To help address some of the myths, let’s hear from Rick Christensen. He is a Physician Assistant and Certified Addiction Specialist who’s been prescribing MOUD medication for over 42 years. Here he describes MOUD and the role it can play in the recovery journey.
Did you like this clip?
This interview is a clip from the docuseries, “ASU Presents: The Experts on MOUD. Visit the resources folder to watch or listen to the full MAT/MOUD DocuSeries or click here to watch the whole series.
Here are a few more misconceptions about MOUD…
- “Someone isn’t ‘really sober’ if they use MOUD.”
- “MOUD is just swapping one drug/addiction for another.”
How do these ideas harm clients who are seeking treatment and a safe place to continue their recovery journey?
Peer Perspectives
Now we’ll hear from Riley Kirkpatrick, a Certified Peer Specialist, as he talks about dependence, addiction, recovery, and MAT. Riley also talks through a commonly stated idea that MOUD is just “substituting one drug for another.”
Key Takeaways
MOUD Myths & Misconceptions
FACT: MOUD has been shown to improve quality of life and overall functioning while someone is on their recovery journey. Instead of focusing on cravings, they can focus on their healing.
FACT: MOUD is just another tool in the toolbox. Just as medication is used to treat and manage other conditions like diabetes, MOUD can be one component of treating addiction.
FACT: MOUD acts as a bridge between the biological and behavioral sides of addiction. Individuals on MOUD engage in therapy or other services to help them on their recovery journey.
FACT: Time on MOUD varies based on the patient/client and their needs time can vary for each person.
