Understanding Medication to Treat Opioid Use Disorder for Treatment Court Participants

• If you have an opioid use disorder but are not currently in treatment, tell the treatment court representative, counselor, case manager, or whoever is working with you about this medical condition and your desire for treatment.
• If you have an opioid use disorder and are currently receiving treatment, tell the treatment court representative, counselor, case manager, or whoever is working with you about the treatment you are receiving, including any medications. They should connect you to an addiction treatment provider that can prescribe medication as soon as possible. (See the Resources section at the end of this guide.)
• When you work closely with your doctor and counselors in treatment, chances for good outcomes will improve. Treatment and other recovery support should be ongoing, as addiction is a chronic disease.
• Expect to be treated with dignity and to have your concerns listened to when starting or changing the treatment plan.
• Please talk to the medical provider and the defense attorney (or advocate) if medications or other addiction treatments are being denied, as denying you medication against your wishes may be a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.