Medication Assisted Treatment is Available in 3 North Sound Locations
MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) is available in three north sound locations!
Misuse of substances has increased during the pandemic – help is available
Medication assisted treatment can greatly help those wish a substance use disorder. The Washington Department of Health reports that suspected overdoses on drugs and alcohol exceeded 2019 levels for the fourth reporting period in a row. The increase is so great that the department issued a statistical warning for alcohol related emergency department visits among adults ages 18-44 years of age. This could be closely related to the data showing that beer, wine and cannabis tax revenue showed a year-over-year increase through 2020 compared to 2019.1
The first time an individual uses a mind or behavior altering substance they do so voluntarily. With time, they need more and more substances to achieve the same effects and that can result in the individual chasing the substance to feel the same reward, which in turn causes significant problems for them and their loved ones. Once addiction has taken hold, the individual has very little to no control over the impulse to seek and use the substance. Addiction is a medical condition impacting the brain and not a moral failure or lack of willpower.
What is Addiction?
In 2016, former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D. confirmed what the research has shown for years; addiction is a disease that alters the makeup in the brain.
Similar to chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure addiction can be managed and treated. For example, with prescribed medication. Subsequently the FDA approved medications to treat the disease of addiction. These are Acamprosate, Disulfiram, Naltrexone, Methadone and Buprenorphine to name just a few. These medications for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) have been vetted through extensive research and are now part of evidence based treatment. Medications do not provide a cure for the disease. However, with proper use they allow the individual to focus on getting their life back in order. Additionally they can begin rebuilding damaged relationships.
Treatment services are often covered by insurance, including Washington Apple Health. Lifeline Connections’ North Sound locations in Bellingham, Mt. Vernon and Oak Harbor can provide walk-in and telehealth services. The Washington Recovery Help Line is assists individuals in locating a provider for addiction related services http://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/.
To speak to someone call: (360) 397-8246 ext. 30451.
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1 COVID-19 Behavioral Health Impact SitRep24.pdf (govdelivery.com)
