Opioid Use Disorder

This chapter reviews the current treatment options for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) that have the strongest basis in empirical evidence. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been widely adapted for use in the treatment of substance use disorders. Contingency management (CM) is a behavioral approach that borrows concepts from operant learning theory in order to promote abstinence from substances. This strategy employs positive reinforcement to encourage patients to meet their treatment goals. Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a standardized intervention utilized in the treatment of substance use disorders, whereby patients are encouraged to strengthen their intrinsic motivation to facilitate change in drug-related thoughts and behavior. Both family therapy and behavioral couples therapy (BCT) are often used as a counseling approach to better cope with substance use disorders. Heroin assisted therapy (HAT) administers injectable diacetylmorphine, the active component of heroin, for patients with severe OUD who were using heroin.