What is Opioid Dependence and Use Disorder?

• “Dependence” and “Use Disorder” are other ways of saying that someone is at risk of becoming addicted or has an opioid addiction.
• Addiction hijacks the brain. Some people cannot fully reason when addicted.
• Once addicted, a person begins to use opioids not to get high but to feel normal. Over time, a person has withdrawal symptoms if they do not use the drug (fever, sweats). People become tolerant – they need more of the drug to feel the same effect. People become dependent – without the drug they feel lousy.

How can treatment with buprenorphine help?

• Treatment with medication (buprenorphine) can be received as an outpatient at primary care offices. This treatment is not a 30-day residential treatment.
• Buprenorphine decreases craving and withdrawal. People hold a job, care for kids, and have healthy relationships.
• Treatment also includes support and monitoring.

Where can you get help for opioid dependence or misuse?

Historically, only certified Addiction Treatment Centers could treat opioid addiction. But that has changed!  Treatment with buprenorphine can now be available local primary care practices near you.  

The "Have You Met MAT?" campaign was created by local community members in rural eastern Colorado.  The products that were developed included posters, inserts, drink coasters, placemats, pre-movie advertisements, and letters to local judges and law enforcement.  These messages and materials were distributed throughout the IT MATTTRs study region, and used community-based participatory research to spread the word about local outpatient treatment options available for opioid dependence and misuse.  

Email us at ITMATTTRs@cuanschutz.edu to find out more information, or to talk to our team about placing an order for the "Have You Met MAT?" community education materials.  You can also find additional community materials on the MAT in the SLV website.