Youth Opioid Recovery Support (YORS)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): MOUD
Does my loved one really need medicine?
How often does my loved one need an injection?
MOUD is the gold standard treatment for opioid use disorder, even for adolescents. MOUD increases the chances of staying off opioids by 10-fold, and most people who do not get medicine will relapse to regular opioid use. Medicine is a recommended safety net, even if your loved one is doing well in their recovery.
How long will my loved one need to be on medicine?
The optimal duration of MOUD is not known. Studies show that people who stop MOUD have a higher chance of relapse and fatal overdose. We generally recommend staying on MOUD for at least one year before starting a conversation about stopping. However, this is an ongoing conversation with your loved one's treatment provider.
Will my loved one get sick if they use opioids while on these medications?
If your loved one decides on a monthly injection, they will receive a dose once every 28 days. Some people who experience more cravings may receive the injection more frequently after discussing a plan with their doctor.
What happens if my loved one misses a dose?
If your loved one misses a dose or relapses to opioid use before receiving it, you should try to resume MOUD as soon as possible. When your loved one is overdue for their medication, they are at higher risk of relapse and overdose and they may experience mild withdrawal symptoms from the medication. The YORS team will contact you and your loved one if they are overdue
What are common side effects of buprenorphine?
No, it is unlikely that additional opioid use will cause withdrawals or sickness while your loved one is on these medications. Always tell the team about your last use of opioids prior to receiving your next dose.
Some people experience constipation, headaches, or nausea. If your loved one is taking the injectable form, they may experience pain or irritation at the injection site. Side effects can vary from person to person, so your loved one should discuss any concerns with their doctor.
What are the common side effects of naltrexone?
Some people experience pain, irritation, or bruising at the injection site, nausea, diarrhea or cramps. Side effects can vary from person to person, so your loved one should discuss any concerns with their doctor.
Will these medications appear on a urine drug test?
Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Zubsolv, Subutex, Sublocade, and Brixadi) will appear on a urine drug test. Naltrexone (Vivitrol) will not appear on a urine drug test.
Do these medications help with other
drug use?
If my loved one eventually wants to wean off Buprenorphine all together, will the shot help?
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) has been shown to help with alcohol use disorder.
Yes! Since XR-Buprenorphine gradually decreases in your body throughout the 28 days, it makes it easier to come off the medication altogether. Speak to the team if this is something you are considering.
What does my loved one do if they are having surgery and/or need pain medication?
Make sure to let your operating doctor know that you have received one of these medications. They will be able to prescribe you a pain medication that is not an opioid.
There is a lump where my loved one got the injection, is that normal?
Yes, that is normal! This lump is the medicine, and as it releases over the 28 days, the lump will decrease in size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Getting Support
Who should I contact if I have a question about my loved one’s treatment?
You can always reach out to the YORS team with any questions about the program or your loved one’s treatment. You can reach our team by text or phone call at 443-826-9318. We are available Monday-Fridays from 9am-5pm. If there is an emergency, please see our page on emergency resources or call 911.
How can I get support for myself?
It is essential for you to get your own support to best support your loved one. You can receive individual support through the YORS program from your therapist and family peer support specialists and group support from other parents in similar situations. We also encourage parents and other loved ones to find support outside of the YORS program through their community, relationships, and online resources (link to resource page).
FAQs: Addiction and Recovery
Did I cause my loved one’s addiction?
No. Addictions are caused by a complex set of genetic and environmental factors and no single factor can explain why addictions happen. We may never know the exact causes, but you can be part of the solution.
When will my loved one be recovered?
​Recovery looks different for everyone. It is a lifelong process, but sobriety can be sustainable. There are markers of progress to look for, such as sticking to treatment, re-engaging in school or work, engaging in hobbies outside of substances, and changes in problematic behavior. The YORS therapist can help you to better understand what addiction and recovery might look like for your loved one.
FAQs:
Participating in Research & the YORS Study
Does my loved one have to participate in the YORS program to get their medication?
No. Participating in research is completely voluntary. You and your loved one can still receive all usual care services, including inpatient or outpatient treatment and medications for opioid use disorder. Deciding not to participate in the YORS program or withdrawing from the program will not affect your loved one’s ability to receive normal care services.
What happens when YORS ends?
When you and your loved one are nearing the end of the 6 months of the YORS intervention, the YORS therapist will meet with you both to discuss a plan for continuing care. Your loved one can and should still continue to receive their chosen medication and engage in usual care treatment services. The YORS team will explain what your loved one’s treatment will look like without our support services and answer any questions you have.
Is this study testing my loved one’s medication?
No. Your loved one will decide on medication available through usual care. No medications are being tested in this study, the YORS research investigates how extra support services can help your loved one stick to their chosen medication.
What is the difference between the YORS therapist and the peer support specialist?
The YORS therapist is a licensed clinician who can provide individual and family therapy to our participants. They will be reaching out to you and your loved one throughout the study to check in on progress, coordinate care, and offer therapeutic services. Our peer support specialist, Beth, has lived experience with a loved one who struggled with addiction and works with families to offer one-on-one help and facilitates support groups.
Will it cost money to participate in the YORS program?
No. It does not cost any money to participate in YORS. However, you and your loved one are responsible for paying for usual care services, including their chosen medication. This is usually covered through insurance.
How long will my loved one participate in the YORS program?
Your loved one will receive additional YORS services for 6 months. The research team will follow up with your loved one two months after these services end to do one final check-in.