Published August 30, 2023 at 6:30 a.m.
By Morgan McKenzie
Substance abuse addiction shares similarities with diabetes in that both are chronic relapsing medical conditions, with treatment being the optimal solution. However, a significant difference exists in the public perception of the two, with those suffering from addiction often encountering stigma when seeking treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) stands as an effective solution to counter relapses and overdoses. MAT, as outlined by the Front Range Clinic website, is an evidence-based treatment for addiction. It operates by filling the brain’s receptors to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, subsequently decreasing the propensity for hazardous drug-seeking behaviors. While MAT doesn’t outright cure addiction, it does allow for a functional life through a combination of medication, counseling, and behavioral health services.
In recognition of Overdose Awareness Week, Dr. Jeremy Dubin, Chief Medical Officer at Front Range Clinic, emphasized the importance of MAT. Front Range Clinic is Colorado’s largest outpatient treatment network, offering its services through more than 35 medical providers across 60 care points. With 20 physical facilities in Colorado and four state-funded mobile units catering to rural areas, the clinic is dedicated to high-access, low-barrier, and harm-reduction care.
Recent data suggests that substance abuse is pervasive, with 66% of American adults having personal or familial experiences with alcohol or drug addiction. The CDC reported that nearly 645,000 deaths occurred from opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2021. Dr. Dubin attributes the widespread nature of the epidemic to several factors, including the prescription painkiller crisis of the 1990s and persistent societal stigma against addiction. He likens the vulnerability to addiction to diabetes, noting that only a fraction of the population would become addicted even when exposed to opioids or certain lifestyle choices.
Upon realizing the opioid epidemic’s magnitude, medical practitioners changed their opioid prescription patterns, inadvertently driving many already addicted towards heroin as an alternative. Dr. Dubin equates this to denying insulin to diabetes patients. With time, heroin use shifted towards the more potent and deadly fentanyl. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these addiction issues due to increased isolation.
Addressing these challenges, Front Range Clinic focuses on both prevention and combating stigma. Their approach emphasizes timely treatments and accommodates all insurance types, boasting no waitlists. They focus on functionality, which the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the National Institute of Drug Abuse both recommend. They have adopted a harm-reduction strategy, emphasizing empathy, using appropriate language, and delivering personalized care.
Dr. Dubin mentions that drugs and alcohol might temporarily alleviate symptoms for those with co-existing mental health conditions, but this can lead to severe consequences. He stresses the need to shift societal perceptions of substance use to eliminate stigma and foster a treatment-focused approach.
Front Range Clinic heavily relies on MAT, emphasizing its importance in addiction treatment. They employ two major MAT types: buprenorphine/Suboxone and naltrexone/Vivitrol. Both drugs have proven efficacy in mitigating addiction’s physical effects. Their utilization of MAT is supported by various national health organizations, emphasizing that comprehensive addiction treatment should consider the biochemical aspects.
MAT has shown promising results, with patients combining medication with behavioral and counseling assistance achieving more than a 50% success rate in urine drug tests. Despite the challenges, Dr. Dubin remains optimistic and continues to advocate for public awareness, urging people to carry fentanyl testing strips and Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal nasal spray. He also provided information on overdose symptoms and stressed the importance of emergency response.
For those seeking more information or help, Front Range Clinic can be reached at (866) 568-8344 or through their website www.porchlighthealth.com.
