Access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an important factor in improving outcomes for persons with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), particularly if they also carry co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Indeed, treating the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) will improve the prognosis of the co-occurring psychiatric disorder and vice-versa. Underserved populations are particularly vulnerable to disease burden, stigma and not having access to evidence based treatments.
Community Behavioral Health Organizations (CBHOs) play an important role in addressing the needs of underserved communities using group therapy among other strategies. When evidence based strategies are employed through CBHOs, more patients remain engaged in treatment and in recovery.
Access “Medication-Assisted Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders: Why Community Behavioral Health Organizations (CBHOs) Need to Lead This Effort” at: https://pcssnow.org/event/medication-assisted-treatment-of-opioid-use-disorders-why-community-behavioral-health-organizations-cbhos-need-to-lead-this-effort/
More information on how to find a program that meets every patient’s needs can be found here:
https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/
https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/10-questions-for-alcohol-treatment-programs
https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/2018/11/integrated-intervention-benefits-people-who-inject-drugs-have-hiv