Opioid use disorder treatment for teens and adults

Opioid addiction is another way of describing opioid use disorder — a pattern of opioid use that becomes difficult to control and starts causing real harm to a person's health, relationships, or daily life. It can develop from prescription pain relievers or illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl, and it's a chronic, treatable medical condition.

Painkiller addiction typically refers to opioid use disorder involving prescription pain relievers, like oxycodone or hydrocodone, rather than illicit opioids like heroin. Opioids relieve pain and trigger a release of dopamine in the brain's reward system, creating a powerful sense of relief. This means they can become addictive even when taken exactly as prescribed.

Opioid addiction is caused by a mix of factors, not any one thing. Genetics, chronic pain, mental health conditions, and environment can all play a role, and repeated opioid use changes how the brain processes pain and reward — making it harder to stop over time, even when someone wants to. At Charlie Health, treatment addresses both opioid use and the underlying factors contributing to it.

Recovery timelines vary widely from person to person and depend on factors like the severity of use, co-occurring conditions, and the type of treatment received. Recovery is often best understood as an ongoing process rather than a fixed endpoint. Charlie Health's virtual IOP is 6 to 12 weeks, with support that continues beyond initial treatment to maintain long-term stability.

Methadone is one of three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder. It works by activating the same brain receptors as other opioids, but in a controlled, steady way that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense high associated with misuse. It's typically administered through a certified treatment program. Charlie Health offers medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in select states — contact the Admissions Team to learn about availability.

Start with an honest, judgment-free conversation about what you're noticing and why you're concerned. It’s best practice to avoid ultimatums or shame, which tend to increase secrecy rather than openness. Encourage them to talk to a doctor or clinician, and let them know about treatment options. If they're medically stable and ready to continue their recovery, we can help build a plan that works for them.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a level of behavioral healthcare for people who need more support than traditional weekly therapy but don't require inpatient care. The goal is to help people manage mental health and substance use challenges while maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities. Our IOP is delivered to clients directly at home through a virtual platform. Each program runs 9–12 weeks and includes 10+ hours of care per week. That time is split across individual therapy and group sessions, with family therapy and psychiatry available when clinically indicated. Scheduling is flexible, with morning, afternoon, and evening options to fit around school, work, and other commitments.

Charlie Health is in-network with more than 600 insurance plans nationwide, including most major commercial plans, TRICARE, and Medicaid in select states. Most clients (60%) pay $0 out-of-pocket. To verify coverage, contact the Admissions Team directly or fill out the online intake form.