Dose of Reality: Opioids Treatment and Recovery

Opioid use disorder can be a struggle when you feel you are alone. However, there are treatment programs and recovery supports available that can make health and wellness possible for you. We are lowering barriers to these services, creating inclusive spaces, and broadening our understanding of what health and wellness means for people with different experiences. Learn more about these treatment programs and recovery supports and connect with a provider to discuss which options may work for you.

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.

Clinical supports

Clinical supports are offered by licensed professionals.

• Outpatient counseling. This option helps people understand their opioid use disorder and their reasons for using opioids. This form of treatment can be done at a clinic or office or by telehealth.
• Inpatient or residential treatment. This option provides a supportive environment to help people recover without distractions or temptations.

Clinicians may prescribe medications to help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Peer supports

Peer supports are offered by people in recovery from opioid use disorder.

• Recovery residences. This option provides opioid-free housing to people without a safe and secure place to live.
• Mutual support groups. This option provides a space for people to share stories, talk about challenges, and share personal achievements with people with similar life experiences.
• Peer recovery centers. This option provides a space for people to drop-in to talk with people with similar life experiences.
• Peer-run respites. This option provides a space for people to schedule a stay of up to seven days surrounded by other people in recovery to focus on their health and wellness.

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.

Recovery.com provides a searchable database of Wisconsin substance use treatment providers. 

For their health and the health of their baby, pregnant women who need help stopping their use of opioids are considered a priority for admission to substance use treatment programs.

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.

Promote medications for opioid use disorder: Visit the Dose of Reality: Partner Resources section for website advertisements, a billboard design, and a Facebook post.

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?

Treatment providers and recovery supports are standing by ready to help you or someone you care about find health and wellness when the time is right. Until then, there are ways to minimize the risks of opioid use.

Tips for safer use