Medication-Assisted Treatment in Missouri

The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across Missouri. In 2022, Missouri reported 2,192 drug overdose deaths according to the CDC, reflecting the ongoing challenges the state faces in combating the opioid crisis. These numbers are a painful reminder of the real need for accessible addiction treatment in the state.

According to the National Rural Health Association, many rural areas suffer from a lack of health professionals, making it difficult for residents to receive the help they need.

That’s why virtual addiction treatment matters. It provides people in Missouri with the ability to receive treatment from wherever they are, so they can access care whenever they need it. By connecting patients with licensed professionals through secure online platforms, virtual care offers the same quality treatment as in-person visits, making it easier for people to get help without the extra burdens that often come with traditional treatment methods.

Missouri is actively expanding access to addiction treatment through recent laws and local programs. House Bill 2162 (2022) expanded the Opioid Addiction Treatment and Recovery Fund, allowing key state agencies to use funds for treatment and prevention services, along with related healthcare and law enforcement costs. This move is helping to increase access to treatment for those in need.

Another important change is Senate Bill 17 (2025), which requires healthcare providers to discuss the risks of opioid use and explore alternative treatments with patients before prescribing opioids. This initiative aims to reduce overprescription and promote safer pain management.

The Medication First Initiative by Missouri’s Department of Mental Health is also helping. This initiative allows individuals to access FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder immediately, without the need for extensive assessments or mandatory counseling, making treatment more accessible and improving retention rates.

Community-based support organizations, such as the Missouri Network for Opiate Reform and Recovery, provide peer-led support and resources for individuals in recovery, ensuring that people have the help they need both during and after treatment.

How our online MAT program helps Missouri residents

Our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program at QuickMD offers a compassionate, convenient way for Missouri residents to receive treatment for substance use disorder. We work with you to create a personalized plan that respects your needs and your pace.

You can connect with a licensed provider from the comfort of your home any day of the week. Our MAT program uses FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, providing you with the support you need to focus on recovery.

1. Prepare for the lonely moments

Addiction can isolate, and recovery can sometimes feel lonely, too. It helps to expect those moments and have something ready for them. Keep a list of people you trust, songs that calm you, or memories that remind you why you started this journey. These touchstones can help carry you through.

2. Don’t let a hard day rewrite your progress

One slip doesn’t erase the effort you’ve put in. It’s easy to feel like you’ve failed when things get hard, but recovery isn’t a straight line. It’s a process, and every day you try again is a win. Be honest with yourself, reach out for help if you need it, and keep going. You’re allowed to start over as many times as it takes.

3. Let your Missouri roots be a source of strength

Whether you grew up in the Ozarks, on a farm in the Bootheel, or in a small town outside St. Louis, your story matters. Lean into what’s familiar and grounding—family traditions, music, nature, or community ties. These connections can serve as anchors, especially on days when you feel unsteady.

4. Make peace with needing help

Asking for support doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. Missouri has growing networks of peer coaches, online support groups, and mental health services that understand addiction beyond judgment. Let help in, and remind yourself: you don’t have to go through this alone.