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How to Get Started with OUD Treatment at VNA in Aurora
Start by calling us directly or scheduling your appointment online with a VNA Family Practice provider. When calling, a member of our team will ask a few basic questions about your situation over the phone. This helps us understand your situation and make sure we connect you with the right provider. They will also go over insurance and payment options with you.
Who Is Eligible For OUD Treatment in Aurora?
VNA’s OUD treatment program is for anyone struggling with opioid use. You do not need to hit “rock bottom” to ask for help. You do not need a referral from another doctor. And you do not need to have tried other treatments before.
If opioids are causing problems in your life, with your health, your relationships, your work, or anything else, you may benefit from treatment. It does not matter how long you have been using or what your situation looks like. Our team is here to help, not to judge.
VNA’s program is open to adults in the Aurora area. If you are not sure whether this program is right for you, the best thing to do is call us. We can answer your questions and help you figure out the next step. For a full overview of OUD and how treatment works, visit our OUD treatment guide.
What to Bring to Your First OUD Treatment Appointment
Coming prepared will help your first visit go smoothly. Here is what to bring:
- A valid photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID, or passport will work.
- Your insurance card. If you have Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance, bring your card. If you are uninsured, bring it up when you call. VNA can help you explore your options.
- A list of your current medications. Include any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements you are taking.
- Your medical history. Any relevant health conditions, past treatments for OUD, or previous hospitalizations are helpful for your provider to know.
- A list of questions. It is easy to forget what you wanted to ask once you are in the appointment. Write your questions down beforehand.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment is a chance for your provider to get to know you and understand your situation. Here is what to expect.
A medical evaluation.
Your provider will ask about your health history, your opioid use, and any other substances you may be using. They will also ask about your mental health. This helps them build the right treatment plan for you.
A urine drug screening.
You may be asked to provide a urine sample. This is a routine part of OUD treatment. It helps your provider understand what substances are in your system and choose the safest medication for you. It is not used to judge you.
A conversation about your goals.
Your provider will ask what you are hoping to get out of treatment. There are no right or wrong answers. This conversation helps your provider tailor your care to your needs.
A medication discussion.
Based on your evaluation, your provider will talk to you about medication options. At VNA, we offer buprenorphine and naltrexone. Your provider will explain how each one works and help you decide which is the best fit.
You will leave your first appointment with a treatment plan and a clear next step. At VNA, we offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for OUD, which combines medications and support services. This treatment is also known as Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).
Stages of OUD Treatment at VNA in Aurora
Recovery is a process. As you progress, your appointments, medications, and support services will be adjusted to match where you are in your recovery.
Stage 1: Stabilization
The first stage of treatment focuses on stabilization. Over time, opioid use physically alters your brain’s chemistry and makes you feel “unstable”. Your body goes into painful withdrawal without the drug. Your brain triggers severe anxiety and intense cravings.
During this stage, your provider will start you on medication that targets these disrupted areas of the brain. The medication stabilizes the brain. This stops the physical sickness of withdrawal and quiets the mental distress.
Your provider will monitor how you respond to medication. You may have more frequent appointments during this stage so we can track your progress and adjust your dose if needed. This stage often feels challenging and more support can help. A big part is navigating beyond withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Your provider and care team are there to support and guide you through it.
Stage 2: Active Treatment
Once you are stable, treatment shifts to active recovery. Your medication will continue, and you will also begin working with counselors and behavioral health providers. Together, you will work on understanding your addiction, building coping skills, and developing strategies to stay in recovery.
Appointments during this stage are typically less frequent than in Stage 1. Your provider will continue to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Stage 3: Long-Term Maintenance
OUD is a long-term condition. For many people, ongoing medication and support are an important part of staying well. In this stage, appointments become less frequent. The focus shifts to maintaining your progress and preventing relapse.
There is no set timeline for how long this stage lasts. Some people are in maintenance for months. Others need it for years. This is normal and does not mean treatment is failing.
We Meet You Where You Are
Many people wait to seek help because they do not feel ready. These feelings are normal. They may worry about withdrawal. They may not know if they want to quit for good. It is hard to know what will happen, which creates uncertainty. These feelings are normal.
You do not have to have all the answers before you reach out. Research shows that starting treatment early, even before a person feels fully ready, leads to better outcomes. At VNA, we meet you where you are and work with you at your own pace.
How to Get a Loved One into OUD Treatment
If someone close to you is struggling with opioid use disorder, you do not have to figure it out alone. You can call VNA before you even talk to your loved one. Our team can answer your questions and help you think through the best approach.
When you are ready to have the conversation with your loved one, choose a calm, private moment when they are sober. Use caring, non-judgmental language. Be patient. It may take more than one conversation. If they are ready to seek help, you can call VNA on their behalf to get the process started. If they are not ready, keep the lines of communication open, and let them know you are there when they are.
Start Your Recovery at VNA Health Care in Aurora Today
Taking the first step is the hardest part. But you do not have to do it alone. VNA Health Care offers compassionate, judgment-free OUD treatment in Aurora, Illinois. Our team is ready to help you get started.
Reach Out Today
Frequently Asked Questions From VNA Patients
Relapse (returning to opioid use after a period of recovery) is common. It does not mean treatment has failed. It does not mean you have failed. If you relapse, reach out to your VNA provider as soon as possible. They are not there to judge you. They are there to help you get back on track. Your treatment plan may be adjusted to give you more support during this time.
Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medication that reverses an opioid overdose. It works quickly and can save a life. The early stages of OUD treatment can be a higher-risk time for overdose, especially if you have recently stopped using. Your tolerance (the amount of opioids your body is used to) drops quickly. If you use again, even a small amount can be dangerous. Having naloxone on hand is an important safety measure. Talk to your VNA provider about naloxone at your first appointment.
Yes. Your health information is protected by federal law. OUD treatment records have additional protections under a federal regulation called 42 CFR Part 2. This means your treatment information cannot be shared without your written consent in most circumstances. If you have questions about your privacy rights, talk to your VNA provider or care team.
Alcohol can be dangerous when mixed with methadone or buprenorphine. It can increase the risk of overdose and death. Always talk to your provider about alcohol use before and during treatment.
Yes. VNA Health Care offers a free Family and Friends Support Group for loved ones of people struggling with opioid use or other substance use disorders. The group is led by a VNA social worker and is available both in person and online. Visit the VNA calendar for upcoming dates and times.
Generally, no. Medical records, including OUD treatment records, are protected by federal law and cannot be shared without your written consent. OUD treatment records have additional protections under 42 CFR Part 2. However, if you have been involved in the legal system in connection with opioid use, that information may appear separately through court or arrest records. If you have specific concerns about background checks, talk to your VNA provider or care team.
Yes. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for serious health conditions, including OUD treatment. To qualify, you must work for a covered employer and meet certain eligibility requirements. Your employer cannot penalize you for taking FMLA leave for treatment. Talk to your HR department or employer about how to request FMLA leave. Your VNA provider can provide the medical documentation needed to support your request.
Yes. Many insurance plans cover OUD treatment, including Medicaid and Medicare. Coverage varies depending on your plan and the specific services you receive. VNA Health Care accepts most major insurance plans. If you are not sure whether your plan covers OUD treatment, call us and we can help you find out. Learn more about plans and insurance accepted at VNA.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, VNA Health Care offers a sliding fee scale. This means the cost of your care is based on your income and family size. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. Call us at (630) 892-4355 to learn more about your options.