Abstract

The opioid epidemic in the United States is a public health emergency. The abuse and misuse of prescription opioids have led to an alarming rate of opioid use disorder. The FDA has approved three drugs for Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT): methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Despite decades of success with the use of methadone, the majority of people with opioid use disorder do not have access to MAT. The use of buprenorphine and naltrexone as an alternative to methadone is increasing, but not quickly enough to keep up with the growing epidemic.

A multitude of barriers prevents patients from receiving MAT, including the lack of treatment centers and specialized healthcare providers who can prescribe the medications. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding opioid use disorder and MAT is pervasive and prevents both patients from seeking care and physicians from providing care. In order to meet this crisis, care must be deregulated, and physicians must receive training and be willing to prescribe a MAT. Ongoing research continues to show the benefits of MAT and the medications that are already approved.