Start with the three choices
NIDA lists methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone as FDA-approved medicines for opioid use disorder. NIDA: medications for opioid use disorder.
They have different rules, schedules, and places where they can be given.
A clinician should review your health, opioid use, and treatment goals with you.
Do not start, stop, or switch a medicine from this guide.
Compare the medicines
| Medicine | What to ask about | Where to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Methadone | Daily routine, take-home rules, and safety | A certified opioid treatment program |
| Buprenorphine | Form, prescriber access, and start time | A prescriber or opioid treatment program |
| Naltrexone | Opioid-free timing and injection visits | A licensed prescriber |
This table is a starting point. It does not say which medicine fits one person.
Methadone needs an OTP
SAMHSA says methadone for opioid use disorder is dispensed through certified opioid treatment programs. SAMHSA: what is methadone.
That means the program location is part of the choice.
Ask about visit times, travel, take-home rules, and what happens on holidays.
Ask how the program handles missed visits or a change in your work hours.
Buprenorphine may have more settings
SAMHSA says buprenorphine can be prescribed or dispensed in physician offices. SAMHSA: what is buprenorphine.
SAMHSA also says certified opioid treatment programs can administer it. SAMHSA: what is buprenorphine.
Ask which form the provider offers and how often you must return.
Ask what happens if you cannot reach the prescriber on time.
Naltrexone has a different start
SAMHSA says extended-release naltrexone is approved for opioid use disorder. SAMHSA: what is naltrexone.
The same page says a licensed prescriber can prescribe and give it. SAMHSA: what is naltrexone.
Ask the prescriber how long you must be off opioids before starting.
Do not guess this timing. The prescriber must give you a safe plan.
Support can be part of care
NIDA describes treatment as medicines plus behavioral therapy and other support. NIDA: treatment.
Ask whether counseling, peer support, or case help is available.
Ask who provides each service and whether it costs extra.
Medication and support may come from different providers.
Ask about safety
These medicines still have risks and rules. Ask the prescriber to explain them. NIDA: medications for opioid use disorder.
- What should I avoid while taking this medicine?
- What side effects should I report?
- Who do I call after hours?
- What should my family know about an overdose?
- What should I do if I miss a visit or dose?
Write down the answers. Keep the program phone number where you can find it.
Check access before you choose
A medicine only helps if you can reach the service and follow the plan.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Where is the visit? | Travel can shape your choice |
| How often are visits? | Your schedule must allow them |
| Who can prescribe? | You need a named contact |
| What does insurance cover? | You need to know your likely cost |
| What happens after hours? | You need help when the office is closed |
Ask each program for clear answers before sharing private details.
Find programs and providers
FindTreatment.gov is a confidential and anonymous treatment locator. FindTreatment.gov.
Its site lets people look for programs that provide methadone treatment. FindTreatment.gov.
Use the locator as a starting point. Call the program before you go.
Confirm the medicine, visit rules, cost, and current hours.
How many facilities are in our directory
The count below comes from our own directory. It is read from the database when this page loads.
This count is read from our directory when the page loads. The read did not come back this time, so the table is not shown. Nothing is substituted for it. Reload in a moment, or search the directory directly.
Source: the aSoberBed asb_facility_stats_public view, read when this page loads.
This count describes our directory. It does not show which medicine fits you.
Ask these questions before starting
- Which medicines do you offer?
- Who will assess me?
- Where will I receive the medicine?
- How often must I attend?
- What happens if I miss a visit?
- What does my insurance cover?
- What will I owe?
- Who do I call after hours?
- What support comes with the medicine?
A clear answer helps you compare programs without guessing.
Get urgent help when needed
If someone is in danger or has a medical emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency room. SAMHSA: crisis help.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 for a trained crisis counselor. SAMHSA: 988 crisis help.
For treatment referral information, call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357. SAMHSA National Helpline.
How this site is paid for
Facilities pay a flat listing fee to be listed here.
The fee does not change what you see, or the order you see it in.
Nobody pays us for a referral, and nobody pays us when a person is admitted.
That is a legal line, not a preference. We do not sell placement in treatment.