PROUD Program

Help is Available

Because traditional detox and recovery methods do not work for most people who try to overcome Opioid Use Disorder, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare has created the PROUD (Prevention and Recovery from Opioid Use Disorder) program practicing a protocol for more effective recovery. We are the first hospital in the Hampton Roads region and the second in the state to begin managing patients with OUD using the “Yale model” using Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to help users stay clean longer and break the cycle of addiction.

To learn more about Behavioral Health services at Chesapeake Regional, visit our Behavioral Health page.

What is Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)?

OUD is best understood and treated as a powerful brain disease rather than a moral failing or lack of willpower. Most often, people who develop OUD were prescribed opioid pain medication or took some else's pain medication. Traditional detox and recovery methods do not work for most people who try to overcome this addiction.

Symptoms of OUD

People with OUD have an unhealthy dependence on opioids, including heroid, fentanyl and prescription "pain killers." A disorder may be present if:

Opioids are used in higher amounts or for longer than intended
There is a persistent urge or desire to use opioids
There is a persistent urge or desire to stop using opioids but attempts to do so have failed
A lot of time, energy and resources are devoted to trying to obtain opioids.
Opioid use continues despite negative impacts on health, family, work or friendships
Withdrawl (feels like severe flu) is experienced if opioids are not taken

How can Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) help?

MAT includes the use of Methadone or Buprenorphine to break the cycle of OUD. It stops or decreases a person's opioid dependency and saves lives by helping users stay "clean" longer to break the cycle of addiction. *MAT is not right for everyone. Please talk to a nurse or medical provider in the Emergency Department if you, or someone you know, is interested in help or more information about Chesapeake Regional's PROUD program.

Paying for OUD Treatment

Most insurance policies provide MAT coverage for OUD. Patients without insurance may be eligible for Medicaid. For those not eligible for Medicaid, Chesapeake Regional has partnered with providers who offer low-cost self-pay MAT services. Information regarding Medicaid eligibility and enrollment, as well as self-pay referrals and instructions, will be given upon request during discharge.

Community Addiction Partners

Before discharge, we will provide information on our community partners. To best serve patients, these organizations strive to schedule an appointment within 72 hours of the initial emergency room visit.