Nearly every U.S. family is affected by addiction with opioid use disorder rising significantly in the last 10 years. Despite this trend, a surprising number of individuals still do not have access to medication-assisted therapy.
Buprenorphine based medications enjoy a proven track record of success in helping patients achieve long lasting stablization and elimination of their opioid withdrawal symptoms. A study recently published in the International Journal of Drug Policy found that almost 87% of those with opioid use disorder were not yet receiving therapeutic medications that could increase their likelihood of a successful recovery.
The good news is that there has been a substantial increase nationwide in the number of treatment providers who offer buprenorphine and counseling services. Organizations like BrightView and Acadia are opening clinics in multiple states and aim to expand their service availability in the year ahead.
With opioids now vulnerable to being adulterated with deadly fentanyl and other substances, it is important that people struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) find treatment and support as soon as possible.
Buprenorphine based medications and methadone are making a real difference in restoring quality of life, and enabling patients to become once again fully productive, and able to focus on a healthy lifestyle. Medication assistance is key, and for many people opens a door that was previously closed for a very long time.
In 2017, Ohio increased its number of buprenorphine-approved prescribers by 266. This was the result of a $2.3 million dollar Federal grant that provided state-wide training to doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants as reported by