Medication-assisted recovery for opioid use disorder: A guide

Medication-assisted recovery (MAR)-the preferred terminology for the service formerly known as medication-assisted treatment-entails a compre-hensive set of interventions for managing opioid use disor-der (OUD), including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Despite the benefits of MAR-reducing opioid use, opioid-related mortality, and health care costs1-3-only 11% of patients with a diagnosis of OUD received MOUD in 2020.3 Primary care physicians, including family physicians, are well positioned to provide MAR across the patient's lifespan. However, many family medicine clinicians do not possess the logistical knowledge or resources to implement this service.4 In this article, we describe options for, and barriers to, MAR and societal issues that have an impact on the care of these patients.

Automated summary

Medication-assisted recovery (MAR) is a comprehensive set of interventions for managing opioid use disorder (OUD) including medications. Despite the benefits, only 11% of OUD patients received medication treatment in 2020. Primary care physicians, especially family physicians, are well positioned to provide MAR but face logistical barriers. This article describes options for MAR, barriers to implementation, and societal issues affecting patient care.