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Frequently Asked Questions

Want to learn more about the Young HEROES Program. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

 What is this study called?
  1. Young HEROES (Houston Emergency Opioid Engagement System)
 What exactly is HEROES?
  1. The HEROES program is an established research program that assists adults with opioid use disorder (OUD).+
  2. HEROES is for adults 18 and older, and the new Young HEROES program is for persons aged 13-17.
 Why is UTHealth conducting this research?
  1. Our city and nation are seeing higher numbers of opioid-related deaths and cases of opioid use disorder. The HEROES program and Young HEROES are our response to this epidemic. We hope that other healers will use our data to provide services to persons looking to recover from opioid addiction.
 What will you do with my information?
  1. Your information will be de-identified, meaning we will strip your name and other identifying information from results before publishing our findings. You will be assigned a patient number and will be only identifiable to persons other than study stuff by that number. We will store your data in a protected research database called REDCap.
 Will you release any of my information?
  1. Not without your expressed written consent
 What can I expect from participating in this study/joining the HEROES program?
  1. You can expect world-class treatment from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
  2. Our services include:
    • i. Medication for opioid use disorder (or "MOUD") for patients 16 and older
    • ii. Peer recovery support services from certified peer support specialists (also known as recovery coaching)
    • iii. Unlimited individual counseling sessions with a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)
    • iv. Support groups (right now only for our adults, but youth groups are coming soon!)
 What is a peer recovery support specialist?
  1. A peer support specialist, or recovery coach, is a person with lived experience with substance use and/or mental health disorders. Their role is to support you through all the ups and downs of your recovery journey.
 Who is eligible to participate?
  1. Persons aged 13-17
  2. Current opioid use and the desire to discontinue use
 Do I have to tell my parent/guardian?
  1. The consent of a parent or legal guardian is required.
 How can I join?
  1. Call 713-500-3624 to reach our research coordinator or our main line at 713-500-3597 to schedule an enrollment appointment.
 How much does the program cost?
  1. There is no cost to enroll in our program. The only associated cost is the cost of medication. We will prescribe your first prescription, and if you require continuous medication, we will refer you to one of our community partners for the medication aspect of your treatment. The initial prescription typically costs around $41.
 Where will you refer me for ongoing medication?
  1. That will depend on your insurance situation. Without insurance, our community partners include Avenue 360, Pursuit of Hope, and Texas Clinic, among others. If you do have insurance, you have the option to see any MOUD provider within your network.
 What type of medication will you prescribe?
  1. We use Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) as it is safe and effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms, cravings and has a low potential for diversion and abuse.
 How long does the program last?
  1. We do not formally discharge patients, so you can always lean on our team for support. You may require fewer services as you progress in your recovery, but we are always available to help.
 Do I need a referral?
  1. No, referrals are accepted but not required..
 What type of program is this?
  1. Young HEROES is an outpatient program, meaning you will not stay overnight or live at the treatment facility.
 Other questions?
  1. Please call our Research Coordinator, Meredith O'Neal, at 713-500-3624.