Trafficking opioids in California is a thriving business, whether it is conducted by drug cartels or individual criminals. Profiting from the drugs, cartels rake in millions of dollars a year, while their victims struggle with the consequences of opioid use disorder. Many of the individuals will need medication-assisted treatment to overcome their substance use.
As a result of the high rate of drug trafficking in California, ERs treat approximately 45 overdose cases each day, and 2,000 Californians die of opioid overdose each year.
According to a study published by the Urban Institute, more than half a million Californians with OUD lack access to treatment. Our mission at Design for Change Recovery in Lancaster, California, is to help reduce these statistics by providing access to effective, affordable MAT programs for those who need treatment for opioid use disorders.
So far, more than 140,000 new California patients with OUD have received medication-assisted treatments.
With MAT programs, injection drug abuse is decreased, thus reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and STDs.
Overall, the impact of MAT on overcoming opioid use disorders cannot be understated. Many individuals who would not have succeeded in maintaining sobriety are now living substance-free lives after receiving MAT.
Despite the many benefits of MAT programs, several barriers exist that prevent people from receiving this treatment option. For instance, out of 320 hospitals with emergency rooms in California, only 52 offer MAT.
The state faces various obstacles that hinder the acceptance of MAT:
Furthermore, MAT is hindered by the reluctance of some doctors to participate. They don’t want to undergo federally mandated training that would allow them to prescribe buprenorphine.
Healthcare officials plan to quadruple the number of MAT-participating hospitals in the coming years. Since 2020, California’s Department of Health Care Services has created 650 new locations that provide MAT but a lot more locations are desperately needed.
As the opioid crisis continues to take thousands of lives each day, MAT programs can significantly reduce the number of needless deaths. This approach to opioid addiction treatment is strongly endorsed by the American Medical Association and the National Institutes of Health, among other agencies.
The 5 primary benefits of MAT programs are:
Design for Change Recovery offers MAT as part of our integrated treatment plan. As an evidence-based approach to treatment, MAT makes the recovery process easier and safer.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines medication-assisted treatment as:
“The use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat addiction, and for some people struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery.”
At Design for Change, we provide a safe, effective MAT process. Our team of credentialed, compassionate staff and medical professionals make sure each client’s needs are met.
Our MAT for detox typically lasts for five to seven days depending on the duration of use, the substance involved, and the individual’s physical health. Detox can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis, however, the risk of relapse is not as great with inpatient treatment.
Currently, the FDA has approved three drugs for use in California MAT programs. These drugs are used specifically for treating opioid use disorder:
Each medication has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment option when used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. Studies show that about 90% of MAT patients had maintained sobriety at the two-year mark.
California MAT programs are supervised by licensed professionals and can be done on an outpatient basis. In most cases, patients are required to participate in regularly scheduled counseling in addition to the clinic visits.
Like any medical treatment, MAT programs may present some drawbacks that must be considered before choosing this treatment approach. Although many addiction specialists prefer MAT programs for opioid addiction treatment, there are some disadvantages, such as:
Of course, some people are not willing to take medication for their opioid use disorder. They may view it as a sign of weakness and fear the potential for becoming addicted to the medication. The cost of the medications can also be a concern as some insurance companies won’t cover the costs.
Despite the above concerns, medical supervision during treatment reduces the risks significantly.
Finding the right California addiction treatment program is crucial to achieving lasting recovery. After reviewing the above information you decide that a MAT program is the best option for your needs, your next step is to talk with one of our specially trained representatives. We will provide a confidential assessment of your situation and recommend a customized treatment plan based on the information you provide.
At Design for Change Recovery in picturesque Lancaster, CA, we offer a whole-patient approach to treatment designed to meet your specific needs and preferences. Our program integrates a range of options that focus on healing the emotional, physical, and mental aspects of addiction. With this comprehensive approach, we help clients identify the underlying reasons for their addiction and acquire the skills necessary to live a sober life.
Fighting opioid addiction isn’t easy, but at Design for Change, you’ll have a team of skilled, compassionate supporters to help you prevail. We provide a safe, comforting, distraction-free environment where you can focus on reaching your recovery goals.
Our unique approach to addiction treatment includes cognitive therapies, group and individual counseling, holistic therapies, outdoor activities, nutritional guidance, and more. Each component is designed to help clients achieve specific goals that promote substance-free living.
If you would like to know more about our programs, reach out to us by phone, email, or online today. We will verify your insurance and help you create a customized treatment plan for your unique needs.
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