opioid use disorder (OUD) is a brain disease,
not a moral failing

This complex medical condition affects the brain over time, making it increasingly difficult to function without opioids. OUD alters the brain’s reward and motivation systems, creating a dependency on the drug. People suffering from addiction face a range of negative life consequences because of the drug's long-lasting changes to the brain's chemistry.

When a person tries to stop using opioids, withdrawal symptoms begin to set in. These symptoms are both intense and multifaceted, including depressed mood, heightened sensitivity to stress, and anxiety. The urgent need to alleviate these distressing symptoms, rather than a desire to get high, compels many individuals to continue using opioids.

6.1M+

6.1M+ people have an opioid use disorder1

1 Food and Drug Administration. Information about Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). 2024. Accessed August 26, 2024.

107k+

107k+ drug overdose deaths occurred in 20232

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Overdose Deaths Decrease in 2023, First Time Since 2018. 2024.

2/3

2/3 of people in jail and prison have a substance use disorder3

3 Jason S. Chladek, Michelle A. Chui. Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals During Community Reentry: A Mini Narrative Review. Front Public Health, 2024, May 13; 12:1377193. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1377193.

44%

44% of Americans blamed OUD on “a lack of willpower”4

4 Healthline. Where Opioid Use Disorder Stigma Comes From and How to Prevent It. Accessed August 26, 2024.

94%

94% of people aged 12 or older with a substance use disorder did not receive any treatment in 20215

5 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA Announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results Detailing Mental Illness and Substance Use Levels in 2021. 2023.

the problem

Recovery isn't easy. The stigma surrounding opioid use often discourages individuals from seeking help due to shame or fear of mistreatment. Additionally, a lack of resources and systemic barriers make accessing help difficult. Even when help is available, the effects of OUD on the brain can make it hard for many to focus on their care.

changing the paradigm

We envision a future where every person with OUD has access to the highest quality care. By eliminating barriers and reducing the stigma associated with seeking recovery, this future becomes attainable.

education

By educating people about the realities of OUD, communities become stronger and more resilient in the face of this challenge. Misconceptions are dispelled, policies are enhanced to support the community, and new paths to recovery emerge.

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destigmatization

People with OUD are, first and foremost, people. They deserve respect and compassion, not judgment. By amplifying the voices of the OUD community, we can dismantle stigma and remind the world that those with OUD are our friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

evidence-based treatment

The effects of opioid use on the brain persist even after years of abstinence, making the recovery journey challenging. Standard of care integrates medications with counseling to assist people on their journey.

additional resources

If you or a loved one are affected by OUD, you're not alone. Please use these resources to reduce the stigma and learn more about the paths to recovery.

volunteer work

Braeburn is dedicated to transforming the management of OUD. To do that, we partner and volunteer with various organizations.

Learn More about volunteer work