Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic medical condition marked by compulsive opioid use despite harmful consequences. Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ provides comprehensive opioid addiction treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), medical detox, and residential care.
Key Facts About Opioid Use Disorder
The opioid crisis has affected every community in the United States. Here are some important facts about opioid use disorder and its impact.
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Approximately 4.8 million Americans ages 12 and older met the criteria for opioid use disorder in 2024 — about 1.7% of the population in that age group. 2
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Opioid-involved overdose deaths in the United States decreased from an estimated 83,140 in 2023 to approximately 54,743 in 2024, a significant decline driven in part by expanded access to naloxone and medications for OUD. 3
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Illegally manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl analogs were involved in approximately 88% of opioid overdose deaths in 2024, making synthetic opioids the primary driver of opioid fatalities. 4
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Only 17% of people with opioid use disorder received medications for OUD (such as buprenorphine or methadone) in 2024, representing a significant treatment gap. 2
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Since 1999, approximately 806,000 Americans have died from an opioid overdose, encompassing prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids. 7
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Medications for opioid use disorder reduce the risk of fatal overdose by approximately 50% or more and significantly improve treatment retention. 6
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Fentanyl is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Just 2 milligrams — the equivalent of a few grains of salt — can be a lethal dose. 5
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Opioid use disorder commonly co-occurs with mental health conditions. People with OUD have significantly elevated rates of depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. 8
Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing brain condition that involves the compulsive use of opioids — including prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl — despite serious negative consequences to a person’s health, relationships, and daily functioning. OUD can develop from legitimate prescription use that escalates over time, or it can begin with illicit drug use. Regardless of how it starts, opioid addiction fundamentally changes the brain’s reward and stress systems, making it extremely difficult to stop without professional treatment.1
The scope of this crisis in the United States is enormous. In 2024, approximately 4.8 million Americans ages 12 and older met the diagnostic criteria for opioid use disorder.2 Drug overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 44, and opioids are involved in the majority of those deaths. Though provisional data from the CDC shows encouraging declines — with estimated overdose deaths falling approximately 27% from 2023 to 2024 — roughly 80,000 Americans still died from drug overdoses in 2024, and opioids were implicated in approximately 68% of those deaths.3,4 The rise of illegally manufactured fentanyl, which is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and is frequently mixed into other street drugs without the user’s knowledge, has made opioid use more lethal than at any previous point in history.5
The good news is that opioid use disorder is treatable. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) — including buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone — are the gold standard of treatment and have been shown to significantly reduce opioid use, prevent overdose deaths, and improve retention in treatment.6 When combined with behavioral therapies and wraparound clinical support, people with OUD can and do achieve sustained recovery.
At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, New Jersey, we treat opioid use disorder through an integrated dual diagnosis approach that addresses addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions simultaneously. Our program offers a full continuum of care, beginning with medically supervised detox to safely manage withdrawal, followed by residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient programming (IOP). Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a cornerstone of our opioid addiction program, available at every level of care. Our clinical team — including physicians, psychiatrists, and licensed therapists — works with each client to develop an individualized treatment plan that accounts for the specific substances used, the presence of any co-occurring psychiatric conditions, and the client’s personal recovery goals.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder is diagnosed using criteria from the DSM-5, the same diagnostic manual used for all substance use disorders. A person who meets at least two of the following criteria within a 12-month period may be diagnosed with OUD. Severity is classified as mild (2–3 criteria), moderate (4–5 criteria), or severe (6 or more criteria). It is worth noting that tolerance and withdrawal alone — which are normal physiological responses to prescribed opioid use — do not automatically indicate OUD when opioids are taken as directed under medical supervision.
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Taking opioids in larger amounts or longer than intended
Using more of the drug than planned or continuing to use it beyond the prescribed period.
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Persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down
Wanting to reduce or stop opioid use but being unable to do so despite repeated efforts.
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Excessive time spent on opioid-related activities
Spending significant time obtaining opioids (including "doctor shopping" or seeking illicit sources), using them, or recovering from their effects.
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Cravings
Experiencing intense urges or desires to use opioids that can dominate a person's thoughts and make it difficult to focus on other things.
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Failure to fulfill major role obligations
Missing work, neglecting school responsibilities, or failing to meet family obligations due to opioid use.
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Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems
Persisting in opioid use even when it causes or worsens conflicts with partners, family members, friends, or coworkers.
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Giving up important activities
Withdrawing from hobbies, social events, or activities that were once important or enjoyable.
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Use in physically hazardous situations
Using opioids in circumstances where it poses physical danger, such as driving, operating heavy equipment, or combining opioids with alcohol or sedatives.
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Continued use despite physical or psychological harm
Keeping up opioid use while knowing it is causing or worsening health problems — for example, continuing to use despite a diagnosed liver condition or worsening depression.
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Tolerance
Needing increasing doses of opioids to achieve the same effect, or finding that the same dose no longer produces the expected relief or euphoria.
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Withdrawal
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when opioid use is reduced or stopped, including muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intense cravings.
Causes and Risk Factors for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder does not have a single cause. It develops from a convergence of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Understanding these risk factors is important both for prevention and for shaping effective, individualized treatment plans.
Prescription opioid exposure
People who are prescribed opioid painkillers — especially at higher doses or for extended periods — are at increased risk of developing OUD. The longer the exposure, the greater the likelihood of physical dependence.
Genetic vulnerability
Studies suggest that genetics account for 40–60% of a person's susceptibility to addiction. Variations in genes that regulate opioid receptors, dopamine signaling, and stress response all play a role.
Mental health disorders
OUD frequently co-occurs with conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Many people begin using opioids to self-medicate emotional or psychological pain.
Trauma and adverse childhood experiences
A history of physical, sexual, or emotional trauma — particularly during childhood — is one of the strongest predictors of substance use disorders, including OUD.
Early substance use
People who begin using any substance at a young age — particularly before age 18 — are at higher risk of developing a substance use disorder later in life, because the adolescent brain is especially vulnerable to the reinforcing effects of drugs.
Social environment
Peer influence, community-level drug availability, poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and social isolation all increase vulnerability to OUD. Neighborhoods with higher rates of opioid prescribing have historically seen higher rates of OUD.
History of prior substance use disorders
People who have previously struggled with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other substances are at elevated risk for developing OUD.
Route of administration
Injecting or snorting opioids delivers the drug to the brain more rapidly than oral use, which intensifies the rewarding effects and accelerates the development of addiction.
How Opioid Use Disorder Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing opioid use disorder involves a thorough clinical evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. There is no single laboratory test for OUD — the diagnosis is clinical, based on behavioral criteria and the pattern of use over time.
- Comprehensive clinical interview - A physician, psychiatrist, or addiction specialist conducts a detailed interview about the type of opioids used, duration and frequency of use, prior treatment history, and functional impact on daily life.
- DSM-5 criteria evaluation - The clinician assesses whether the individual meets at least two of the eleven DSM-5 criteria for opioid use disorder within the past 12 months and assigns a severity rating (mild, moderate, or severe).
- Medical examination and laboratory testing - A physical examination and blood or urine tests help identify the presence of opioids and other substances, assess liver and kidney function, and screen for infectious complications such as hepatitis C or HIV — which are more common among people who inject drugs.
- Urine drug screening - Toxicology testing confirms the presence of opioids and detects other substances that may be in use, which is important for developing a safe and appropriate treatment plan.
- Psychiatric assessment - Because OUD commonly co-occurs with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is conducted to identify any co-occurring disorders that need simultaneous treatment.
- Withdrawal risk assessment - For individuals currently using opioids, clinicians assess the severity of physical dependence and potential withdrawal risk using validated tools like the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) to determine whether medically supervised detox is necessary.
How We Treat Opioid Use Disorder
At Advanced Health and Education, we treat opioid use disorder with a comprehensive, evidence-based approach anchored by medication-assisted treatment (MAT) — which is considered the standard of care for OUD by every major medical organization, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the World Health Organization, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.6 Our dual diagnosis program in Eatontown, NJ integrates MAT with individual and group psychotherapy, psychiatric medication management, and holistic support services to address the full spectrum of each client’s needs.
Medications for opioid use disorder — including buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, and extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) — work by stabilizing brain chemistry, reducing cravings, and blocking the euphoric effects of opioids. These medications are not “replacing one drug with another.” They are FDA-approved treatments that allow people to participate meaningfully in therapy, rebuild their lives, and dramatically reduce their risk of overdose and death.6
Alongside MAT, we use evidence-based behavioral therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and group therapy to help clients identify triggers, develop healthy coping strategies, and build the relapse prevention skills needed for sustained recovery. Family therapy is also an important part of our program, helping families understand the nature of addiction, repair relationships, and establish the supportive environment that recovery requires. Located in Monmouth County, our program serves clients from throughout New Jersey and beyond.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most extensively researched forms of psychotherapy, helping people identify and change the distorted thinking patterns and unhealthy behaviors that contribute to mental health conditions and substance use disorders. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, CBT is a core component of both our mental health and dual diagnosis programs.
Learn moreMotivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative counseling style that helps you resolve ambivalence and strengthen your own motivation for change—without pressure or judgment. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, motivational interviewing helps clients build readiness for change across all levels of care.
Learn moreMindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-based therapy teaches skills for noticing thoughts, emotions, and body sensations without getting pulled into them—supporting stress reduction, emotion regulation, and relapse prevention. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, mindfulness-based practices are woven into our treatment programs to support lasting recovery.
Learn moreDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness principles to help people who experience intense emotions develop skills in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, DBT skills are integrated across our treatment programs.
Learn moreFamily Therapy
Family therapy is an evidence-based approach that involves family members in the treatment process, recognizing that mental health conditions and substance use disorders affect — and are affected by — the entire family system. By improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships, family therapy supports lasting recovery for everyone involved. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, family therapy is a key component of our treatment approach.
Learn moreRecommended Levels of Care
Opioid use disorder often requires a structured, step-down approach to treatment — beginning with stabilization and gradually moving toward greater independence as a client builds recovery skills. At our treatment center in Eatontown, NJ, we offer every level of care needed to support this process, with medication-assisted treatment available at each stage. The level of care recommended depends on the severity of the addiction, the type of opioids used, the client’s medical and psychiatric history, and their personal circumstances. Clients travel to our facility from across New Jersey, including communities in Monmouth County and the surrounding areas of Middlesex, Ocean, and Mercer counties.
Dual Diagnosis Detox and Stabilization
Our medically supervised detox and inpatient stabilization program provides 24/7 clinical care for people withdrawing from alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other substances. Located in Eatontown, New Jersey, this is the first step in our dual diagnosis treatment program — designed to safely stabilize you physically and psychiatrically before you transition into active therapeutic programming.
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Dual Diagnosis Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A highly structured day treatment program for people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction alongside co-occurring mental health conditions. At our Eatontown, New Jersey facility, PHP combines intensive daily therapy, psychiatric medication management, and relapse prevention — while you live in supervised housing or commute from home.
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Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
A structured intensive outpatient program for people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. Located in Eatontown, New Jersey, our IOP provides consistent therapeutic support while you rebuild daily routines, work and family responsibilities, and long-term recovery skills.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to questions we frequently hear from individuals and families seeking opioid addiction treatment.
What is the difference between opioid dependence and opioid use disorder?
Physical dependence on opioids — meaning the body has adapted to the presence of the drug and produces withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped — can develop in anyone who takes opioids regularly, even under medical supervision. This is a normal physiological response. Opioid use disorder goes beyond physical dependence: it involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior, loss of control over use, and continued use despite harmful consequences. A person can be physically dependent on opioids without having OUD, but physical dependence is often a component of the disorder.
What does opioid detox involve?
Medically supervised opioid detox involves gradually and safely managing withdrawal symptoms under 24/7 medical care. Withdrawal from opioids is rarely life-threatening, but it is intensely uncomfortable — symptoms include severe muscle aches, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anxiety. Medical detox uses FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine to ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and stabilize the client for the next phase of treatment. At Advanced Health and Education, detox is always the beginning of a longer treatment process, not a standalone intervention.
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioids?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications — buprenorphine (commonly known as Suboxone), methadone, or naltrexone (Vivitrol) — with behavioral therapy to treat opioid use disorder. These medications work on the same brain receptors that opioids affect, but in a safer and more controlled way. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal without producing the dangerous euphoria of full agonist opioids. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids entirely. MAT is the most evidence-supported treatment for OUD and has been shown to cut the risk of fatal overdose by roughly half.6
Is MAT just "replacing one drug with another"?
No. This is a common misconception that has unfortunately prevented many people from accessing life-saving treatment. Medications like buprenorphine and methadone are carefully dosed, medically supervised treatments that stabilize brain chemistry without producing the dangerous highs and lows of illicit opioid use. They allow people to function normally, participate in therapy, maintain employment, and be present for their families. Every major medical organization — including the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the World Health Organization, and the American Medical Association — supports the use of these medications as the gold standard for OUD treatment.
How long does opioid addiction treatment take?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for OUD recovery. Detox typically takes 5–10 days, followed by residential treatment lasting 14-21 days. Many clients then step down to PHP and IOP before transitioning to community-based aftercare. Research strongly supports longer durations of treatment for better long-term outcomes. Medication-assisted treatment is often continued for months or years — and in some cases indefinitely — depending on the individual’s needs and clinical progress. At Advanced Health and Education, the clinical team works with each client to develop a phased plan that provides the right level of support at every stage.
Can someone recover from fentanyl addiction?
Yes. While fentanyl’s extreme potency makes it exceptionally dangerous, recovery from fentanyl addiction is absolutely possible with appropriate treatment. Because fentanyl withdrawal can be particularly intense and prolonged, medically supervised detox with medication support is especially important. Buprenorphine is effective for managing fentanyl withdrawal, though some individuals may require higher doses or longer stabilization periods compared to those withdrawing from heroin or prescription opioids. Our clinical team at our Eatontown, NJ facility has experience treating fentanyl-involved opioid use disorder and adjusts treatment protocols accordingly.
Does Advanced Health and Education treat co-occurring mental health conditions with OUD?
Yes. Our dual diagnosis program treats opioid use disorder alongside co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Addressing only the addiction while leaving an underlying psychiatric condition untreated is one of the most common reasons for relapse. Our integrated approach ensures that every client’s mental health needs are treated within the same coordinated plan as their substance use disorder.
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioid use disorder. NIDA website. Updated 2024. Source
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: results from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. HHS Publication No. PEP25-07-007. Rockville, MD: SAMHSA; 2025. Source
- National Center for Health Statistics. U.S. overdose deaths decrease almost 27% in 2024. CDC Pressroom. May 14, 2025. Source
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About overdose prevention. CDC website. Updated January 2026. Source
- Drug Enforcement Administration. 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice; 2024. Source
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Medications to treat opioid use disorder research report. NIH Publication No. 21-4209. Bethesda, MD: NIDA; 2021. Source
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding the opioid overdose epidemic. CDC website. Updated July 2025. Source
- Jones CM, McCance-Katz EF. Co-occurring substance use and mental disorders among adults with opioid use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2019;197:78-82. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.12.030 Source
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed., text rev. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2022. Source
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Clinical Director
Kelsey Blakeslee, LCSW, LCADC, is the Clinical Director at Advanced Health and Education, where she provides clinical oversight and leadership for complex mental health and substance use treatment programs. Dually licensed in social work and addiction counseling, she integrates CBT-based, skills-focused, and strengths-based approaches to promote high-quality, ethical care. Kelsey is committed to fostering a collaborative treatment culture centered on clinical excellence and client success.
If you're in crisis or need immediate help
If you suspect an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone (Narcan) if available. For emotional crisis support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Get Help for Opioid Addiction in New Jersey
Recovery from opioid use disorder is possible — and it starts with reaching out. Our treatment team in Eatontown, NJ provides medication-assisted treatment, medical detox, and comprehensive residential care for opioid addiction. Call (844) 302-8605 or contact our admissions team today.
Call: (844) 302-8605 Verify InsuranceRelated Conditions
Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are treatable medical conditions involving continued use of alcohol or drugs despite harm. Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ provides comprehensive addiction treatment from medical detox through outpatient care, including specialized dual diagnosis programming.
Learn moreAlcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition defined by an inability to control drinking despite negative consequences. Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ provides comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment, from medical detox through outpatient care.
Learn moreDepression
Depression is more than feeling sad—it’s a treatable mental health condition that can affect mood, sleep, energy, and daily functioning.
Learn moreAnxiety
Anxiety disorders go beyond everyday worry. They involve persistent fear or worry that’s out of proportion to the situation and hard to control.
Learn morePost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD develops after trauma and can include intrusive memories, avoidance, mood changes, and hypervigilance. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, trauma-focused therapies like EMDR and CBT are central to our PTSD treatment approach.
Learn moreBipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and mania or hypomania—high energy, reduced sleep, and impulsive behavior. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, we provide structured bipolar disorder treatment to help you achieve long-term stability.
Learn moreTake the First Step Toward Recovery From Opioid Addiction
Advanced Health and Education offers a full continuum of opioid addiction treatment in Eatontown, New Jersey — from medically supervised detox and MAT through residential treatment and outpatient care. Our clinical team is available 24/7 to answer your questions. Call (844) 302-8605.