Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, refers to combining counseling and behavioral therapy with the use of FDA-approved medicines to treat substance use disorders. This approach is extremely tailored to the individual and can be an effective way to achieve sustained recovery and prevent opioid overdose. MAT is often used for recovery from opioids, like heroin or […]
FDA has approved several different medications to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders MAT medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. Medications used for MAT are evidence-based treatment options and do not just substitute one drug for another. […]
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MAT has proved to be clinically effective and to significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services for these individuals. MAT provides a more comprehensive, individually tailored program of medication and behavioral therapy that address the needs of most patients. […]
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Access information and instructions on how to request an opioid treatment exception request to the federal standards for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. […]
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Learn background information and tips to keep in mind while using person-first language, as well as terms to avoid to reduce stigma and negative bias when discussing Substance Use Disorders. […]
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Trying to locate appropriate treatment for a loved one, especially finding a program tailored to an individual’s particular needs, can be a difficult process. However, there are some resources to help with this process […]
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While there has been a great deal of discussion about the dangers of opiates, other drugs that are just as deadly have been linked to an increase in overdose deaths. Xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer, is knowingly or unknowingly being used in combination with other drugs. Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” rivals fentanyl as a […]
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Substance use can affect people of any age, race, gender, or socioeconomic class. Though there are factors that can contribute to prevalence amongst certain groups, it does not discriminate. Law enforcement officers are not immune to Substance Use Disorder. Given the availability of substances coupled with the high levels of stress associated with that line […]
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There are a number of different terms associated with substance use and substance use disorder. Distinguishing between substance use, substance misuse, and substance abuse can be a key component to education. Substance use is as simple as it sounds: using drugs and alcohol. This would include any kind of alcohol, marijuana, heroin, prescription opiates, or […]
Talking to your children about drugs and alcohol early and often is a key part of prevention. One conversation isn’t enough. Parents and guardians should create a safe space where children feel free to be open and honest, and have small frequent conversations about substances. Children can be intimidated by a formal, sit-down talk at […]
Approximately one in ten veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder, which is slightly higher than the general population. This can be because this particular population is often more directly affected by issues such as PTSD, long-lasting or chronic pain, suicidal ideation, and homelessness – which can all directly correlate to increased substance […]
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 26.6% of high school seniors vaped nicotine in the past year. Vaping devices or e-cigarettes are the most commonly used form of nicotine among youth in the U.S. Commonly referred to as vapes, the devices are appealing to young people because of their convenience, size, and the […]
What is naloxone? Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, most popularly known by the name brand Narcan. Specifically, naloxone allows an overdose victim to breathe normally. It is not addictive and cannot be abused. When do you need naloxone? Naloxone should be administered to anyone who may be overdosing […]
What Is 988? 988 is an emergency hotline for all mental health crises. A mental health crisis can be anything from thoughts of suicide, to problems with substance abuse, to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. 988 phone operators are not required to give your personal data or information to any protective services. Your […]
Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Specifically, naloxone allows an overdose victim to breathe normally. It is not addictive and cannot be abused. Training on recognizing and responding to opioid overdose is recommended and available for first responders and community members. Contact overdose.prevention@odmhsas.org for more information on training. […]
The NSDUH data provide estimates of substance use and mental illness at the national, state, and substate levels. NSDUH data also help to identify the extent of substance use and mental illness among different subgroups, estimate trends over time, and determine the need for treatment services. […]
Today, thanks to science, our views and our responses to addiction and the broader spectrum of substance use disorders have changed dramatically. Groundbreaking discoveries about the brain have revolutionized our understanding of compulsive substance use, enabling us to respond effectively to the problem. […]
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Many substances can alter a person’s thinking and judgment, and can lead to health risks, including addiction, drugged driving, infectious disease, and adverse effects on pregnancy. Information on commonly used substances with the potential for misuse or addiction can be found here. […]
Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Specifically, naloxone allows an overdose victim to breathe normally. It is not addictive and cannot be abused. Training on recognizing and responding to opioid overdose is encouraged and available for first responders and community members. Contact overdose.prevention@odmhsas.org for more information. […]
You can tell your employer or friends you need to go on medical leave. If you talk to your doctor or another medical expert, privacy laws prevent them from sharing your medical information with anyone outside of the healthcare system without your permission. In addition, most health care providers who specialize in addiction treatment can’t share your information with anyone (even other providers) without your written permission. […]
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The doctor will ask you a series of questions about your use of alcohol and substances and other risky behaviors like driving under the influence or riding with other people who have been using substances or alcohol. Your doctor can help you the best if you tell the truth. The doctor might also ask for a urine and/or blood test. This will provide important information about your substance use and how it is affecting your health. […]
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