Are you or someone you know struggling with opioids? 

There are effective treatments, like buprenorphine, to help treat an opioid addiction. Only one out of every three people who could benefit from a treatment like buprenorphine receives it. The VA provides this care via telehealth and in person.

Background about telehealth versus in-person treatment for opioid addiction

Even before the pandemic more and more Veterans were using telehealth for treatment of opioid addiction, including with buprenorphine. After all, telehealth-based treatments can be administered from the privacy and convenience of your home. 

VA researchers found that Veterans who used telehealth stuck with buprenorphine longer than people who only used in-person treatment. Sticking with treatment longer means people are more likely to achieve their goals. 

People who used in-person treatment spent, on average, 295 days in treatment while people who used telehealth treatment spent, on average, 722 days in treatment. 

If you are interested in learning more

Talk with your health care provider or contact your VA facility about options for in-person or telehealth treatment with buprenorphine.

Visit the VA’s Mental Health and Substance Use webpage to find more information about substance use and its treatment. 

Content last updated: March 2023