Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ Post

Let's talk about Principle #3 - and this is a big one: Treatment needs to be readily available! Where to even start - access to care is a huge problem in addiction treatment. If you have ever known or loved someone who struggles with substance use, then you know that the first hurdle is getting the hijacked brain to seek help. When that happens, it is critical that we move fast to act on that impulse. Since this break can occur at any time, many patients end up in emergency rooms, where long wait times can end with the hijacker taking back control of the brain and the impulse to seek help expiring. So what can we do to help the patient in this moment? 1. Act Fast - make sure to have a plan for what to do when the moment presents itself. Who can you call 24/7/365 to get help? Have those numbers programmed in your phone. 2. Know your options - what insurance does the patient have, if any? Who treats the patient based on age, gender identity, and substance of choice? What level of care is the patient likely to need to start - detox, inpatient, outpatient? Where can the patient access affordable and accessible care immediately? 3. Have a plan for how the patient can get to treatment and what a plan of safety is if the patient can't get there immediately. Is transportation available and safe? If the patient gets put on a waiting list, can you engage someone from the recovery community to connect with them and keep them on the right path? Can they start at one level of care while waiting for another to open up? The best thing we can do to be effective advocates for SUD patients is to know what the available resources are and how to reach them - TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE HERE! For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gkuRdJQn

Getting access to an opioid treatment program should not be an obstacle for patients struggling with addiction. And yet, required daily clinic visits often make it challenging for patients to continue their treatment programs — or prevent patients from entering a program altogether — especially for those facing challenges with travel, scheduling, and limited clinic hours. A low barrier model that combines telehealth and in-person care can help to break down these roadblocks, making treatment more accessible to patients with Opioid Use Disorder. Learn more about how this approach can improve care for the individuals who need it most in our newest article: https://buff.ly/3Ys6pZs

It's National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week! Let's raise awareness and promote education about substance use disorders. Which of the following topics would you like to learn more about during this important week? 1. Understanding the effects of alcohol on the body and mind. 2. Exploring the dangers of prescription drug misuse. 3. Learning about the benefits of virtual Ambulatory Detox programs. 4. Discussing strategies for supporting a loved one struggling with addiction. Cast your vote in the comments section below and let's empower each other with knowledge! #NDAFW #NationalDrugAndAlcoholFactsWeek #recoverycommunity #recoveryjourney #recoveryispossible #knowledgeispower

🚨 Understanding Naltrexone 🚨 Did you know? Naltrexone can be an effective treatment for opioid dependence, but it comes with some challenges. Before starting Naltrexone, patients must go through opioid withdrawal, which can be tough despite medications that ease the symptoms. While it doesn’t reduce cravings, it can be a powerful option for those highly motivated to overcome addiction, especially in its injectable form. 💉 If you or someone you know is considering Naltrexone, consult https://loom.ly/dhDEQZs with a healthcare professional to understand the best path forward. 💪✨ #RecoveryJourney #Naltrexone #OpioidWithdrawal #AddictionTreatment #ChooseLifeLine #HealthcareSupport

Principle #2 of Effective Treatment for for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD): No single treatment is appropriate for everyone. If we can acknowledge the complexity of these diseases and the fact that they stem from a variety of places and factors (Principle #1 - see last week); then it would follow that the path to recovery will be different for each individual, even if some of the foundation is the same. For example, if my alcohol use disorder stems from past trauma and there is less of a genetic component to my craving and withdrawal symptoms, I may benefit more from individual therapy than medication alone. However, if I am someone whose genetic disposition does play a role, then therapy alone may not be enough and medication may be necessary for me to achieve sustained recovery. These are very broad categorizations but the important thing to note is that everyone's path to recovery and the tools they use to sustain it will be different. Although one may feel strongly that their own path to recovery is the "right" path, its important not to judge how someone else gets to recovery or what that looks like for them. Stay tuned next week for the 3rd NIDA Principle of Effective Treatment. For more information, please visit https://lnkd.in/gkuRdJQn

AMCP Substance Use Disorder Advisory Group published the white paper which highlights five myths about treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), provides context regarding current guidance, and offers suggestions for how managed care organizations (MCOs) can support care for patients with addiction through a chronic health model. https://lnkd.in/gNhis9ph #pharmacists #opioidusedisorder #opioidaddiction #managedcare #chroniccaremanagement

There's new research showing that GLP-1 medications (commonly used for diabetes and obesity) might help reduce opioid overdoses and alcohol intoxication. In this study, patients with opioid use disorder who were on these meds saw a 40% reduction in overdoses, and those with alcohol use disorder had a 50% drop in alcohol intoxication rates. These findings are early but could signal a new, effective way to support patients struggling with addiction. More research is needed, but it’s an encouraging step forward. #AddictionTreatment #OpioidCrisis #AlcoholUseDisorder #GLP1 #MedicalBreakthrough #HopeForHealing #SubstanceUseDisorder #NewResearch

New from PCSS-MOUD: Educate, Train, Mentor– SUD 101 Module 7 - Treatment of Tobacco Use Disorder in Primary Care https://lnkd.in/gSzwUy4X

💜Are you or a loved one seeking rapid access to treatment for Opioid Use Disorder? Horizon’s MAT Connect Program is a low-barrier program that quickly connects patients with counselors, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services, harm reduction resources, and more. Learn more in our latest blog post⬇ #MATConnect #MedicationAssistedTreatment #Recovery #OpioidUseDisorder #BuffaloNY

It's #WellnessWednesday! Did you know that even prescribed medications, especially painkillers, can lead to addiction and accidental overdose if not managed properly? Ensuring your doctor knows all the medications you’re taking is crucial for your safety. Learn more about opioid and medication-assisted treatment here: https://ow.ly/KR9L50SMlHA #opioids #overdose #addiction