Frequently Asked Questions for Patients

• What is an opioid use disorder?

  The difference between being dependent on opioids and an opioid use disorder is the problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. Typically this means a harmful relationship to the drug that includes drug-seeking behavior, giving up important relationships and activities in favor of the drug, and generally focusing your life more and more on the drug at the expense of everything else. In 2010, 1.9 million people in the U.S. were addicted to prescription opioids and 359,000 were addicted to heroin. An opioid use disorder is considered to be a chronic, relapsing medical conditions, much like diabetes and hypertension, that can be very effectively manage with medication and supportive services.

• What does it mean that an opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing medical condition?

  It means that people with use disorders typically experience long-lasting physical and psychological symptoms of these condition, even with effective medical treatment. Like diabetes or hypertension, many people require ongoing or lifelong medical treatment to remain stable during their recovery.

• What are the physiological effects of an opioid use disorder?

  Opioid use disorders alter a person’s brain chemistry. The brain is impacted by a disruption to the naturally occurring reward system and the way it experiences pleasure/pain. It also impacts the decision making processes. These impacts have been shown repeatedly in brain research. This explains why more and more of the drug is needed in order to produce the same effects, a condition known as tolerance, as well as the negative behaviors associated with substance use disorders like dishonesty, and continued use despite negative consequences.

• How long does it take for a person to be cured of an opioid use disorder?

  Because this is a chronic, relapsing medical condition, the brain changes are often very long-lasting. Despite working very hard at recovery, many patients realize that staying on the medication is the best way to abstain from opioid abuse. The medications have very few side effects and are considered to be safe for long term use. At ETS, we work with patients to manage their condition so they can have safe and productive lives for as long as our patients benefit from working with us.

• What is medication assisted treatment?

  Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach that combines brain-stabilizing medication with comprehensive support services including counseling, drug screens, and medical monitoring.

• Why does ETS use medication assisted treatment?

  These treatments work. They are the medical standard of care for opioid use disorders. Research has shown repeatedly that patients in medication assisted treatment have the greatest likelihood of living successfully in recovery. In addition, communities that offer MAT benefit: problems associated with property crime, homelessness, and expensive use of emergency services are all positively impacted when MAT is available to people in need. Cost-benefit analyses indicate that for every $1 spent for MAT, a $4- $5 return is realized.

• How long will I have to wait before I can start treatment?

  The waiting period at ETS varies greatly from site to site. Please call a location near you for the current timeline.

• How much does MAT cost?

  The current cost of our opioid treatment program is approximately $18 per day. ETS accepts Medicaid and most types of insurance.

• I am pregnant. Can I still receive treatment?

  Medication assisted treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorders is considered the standard of care for this condition. In contrast to the highs and lows associated with untreated opioid use disorders, babies of women on MAT throughout their pregnancy are healthy and develop normally. Please let our intake staff know if you are pregnant and your ETS medical provider will fully answer any and all questions you may have. We want to get you into treatment as soon as possible in order to protect your growing fetus.