Opioid Addiction Treatment in Oregon

Addressing the Oregon Opioid Crisis

Oregon is not immune to the rising rates of opioid addiction, overdoses, and deaths. In 2023, 76 percent of all drug overdoses across the state contained at least one opioid as a major cause of death. That same year, Oregon saw a peak in overdose deaths, jumping 33 percent from the previous year.

A significant contributing factor to this shift is fentanyl. While the rates of prescription opioid use and abuse started to drop over the last 5 years, illicit fentanyl has now been involved in over 65 percent of overdose deaths across the state, with a dramatic rise in fentanyl since 2019.

At the start of 2024, Portland and Multnomah County declared a state of emergency because of the Fentanyl crisis.

Oregon Health Authority has focused on a strategic initiative since 2015 to reduce prescription opioids, opioid overdoses, and deaths while expanding access to education, pain treatment that does not use opioids, and opioid treatment programs in Oregon like medication-assisted treatment (MAT). 

What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Oregon?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a proven approach for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. With MAT opioid treatment in Oregon, patients can access FDA-approved medications that reduce cravings while engaging in outpatient therapy and support programs.

At Skycloud, our licensed providers offer both in-person and online addiction treatment in Oregon, making care more accessible for residents across the state.

Buprenorphine, Suboxone, and Other MAT Options

Skycloud specializes in prescribing Suboxone for opioid use disorder (OUD) as part of our medication assisted treatment in Oregon. This is offered alongside psychiatric care and therapy for a comprehensive recovery plan.

The FDA-approved MAT medications include:

• Naltrexone

• Methadone

• Buprenorphine / Suboxone

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. Methadone is a full opioid agonist. Naltrexone is a full opioid antagonist.

Buprenorphine, as a partial opioid agonist, is much more accessible in an outpatient setting, which means if you are struggling with an opioid addiction, but you cannot participate in a comprehensive inpatient program, you can still get the right type of treatment to help you overcome cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.

Buprenorphine works by producing what is called a ceiling effect. This means that it creates a ceiling or top limit whereby increasing the amount that you take won’t increase the effect. This is very important because it is this mechanism that helps reduce your risk of overdose compared to methadone.

The withdrawal is also considered milder compared to methadone, making it easier to taper when the time comes.

By comparison, methadone activates your opioid receptors to their full extent, which can lead to respiratory depression and overdose death with higher doses.

We prescribe Buprenorphine as a way to help you during your treatment, diminishing cravings and minimizing the severity of your withdrawal symptoms during detox. 

Naltrexone works differently than the other two by preventing opioids from binding but not actually activating opioid receptors in your brain. This means that Naltrexone is typically prescribed after you have gotten clean and are no longer using opioids. When on it, should you choose to use opioids again, you won’t get the same high because it blocks opioid receptors from binding with the opioids. This, in effect, acts as a deterrent.

We pair medication-assisted treatment services for opioid dependence with behavioral therapies, and if necessary, mental health services. This comprehensive treatment plan provides psychosocial recovery support, helping individuals navigate sobriety and develop healthy habits and coping skills.

Aftercare and Local Resources 

Once you complete your addiction treatment in Oregon, our care team will work with you to ensure you are ready to transition to your next stage by providing information on local resources and support groups. 

If you are struggling with past or present opioid addiction, there are support group options, including:

• Dual Diagnosis Anonymous, where you can find free online and in-person support groups for mental health and/or addiction.
• Outside In’s Injection Drug Users Health Services, for health and healing with in-person or online support group meetings and naloxone.
• Oregon’s Alcohol & Drug Helpline, which offers referrals to local resources for peer support.

Recovery doesn’t stop when you leave our opioid treatment programs in Oregon. Successfully completing your outpatient program is a tremendous step forward, but sobriety is a long journey. That is why many people find it much easier to maintain sobriety when they have ongoing support from things like 12-step programs and support groups in their area. 

In addition to local resources, you might find things like vocational support, exercise and nutrition classes, yoga, mindfulness, or meditation resources.

Comprehensive Addiction Treatment in Oregon

If you are one of the thousands of people across the state of Oregon struggling with an addiction to opioids, we can help.

Our care team is ready to provide an intake within one week of calling, providing you with specialized opioid addiction treatment, psychotherapy, medication management, and medication-assisted treatment in Orgeon. 

Call Skycloud today at (503) 376-8150.

MAT Opioid Treatment in Oregon FAQ

How Long Does MAT Treatment Take?

Treatment length differs for each person, with no set time frame. For those who are participating in an outpatient program, the best treatment successes come from longer treatment duration, but most MAT programs for opioids last at least 90 days with a combination of medication during detox and during the remaining therapy sessions. 

What are the MAT Options for Opioids?

MAT for opioids uses three approved medications: methadone, Buprenorphine, or Naltrexone. Buprenorphine works to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings, making it easier for you to focus on the things you are learning in your recovery. 

What Qualifications Do You Need for MAT?

Most prescribers have things like DEA numbers, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, doctors, and other qualified professionals. At Skycloud, we prescribe Buprenorphine for OUD in addition to psychiatric medication management/psychotherapy. This requires specialized training and DEA-X numbers, so you can rest assured that our team is well qualified. 

What Makes Buprenorphine Different From Naltrexone or Methadone?

At Skycloud, we prescribe Buprenorphine for OUD in addition to psychiatric medication management/psychotherapy. Buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist, and that means it actually activates your natural opioid receptors but to a less intense degree than full agonists.

Methadone is an example of a full agonist. Naltrexone is a full opioid antagonist, so instead of activating your opioid receptors, it blocks them and stops any opioids from having an effect.

Buprenorphine is much more accessible in an outpatient setting, making it more accessible to many clients.