Buprenorphine Treatment and MAT Services Shown to Work in ER Settings
A new study from the JAMA Network Open shows that buprenorphine treatment work in practice. In the context of Emergency Room (ER) administration to fentanyl abusers, buprenorphine treatment reduces mortality and morbidity. At the same time, in ER applications, less than 1% of people who used fentanyl experience withdrawal after buprenorphine administration.
As a forerunner in Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) use MAT Services for our patients. Indeed, we have found that MAT Services, including buprenorphine treatment, lead to successful treatment outcomes. By reducing cravings, Medications for Addiction Treatment provide the space necessary for the recovery process to begin. However, although MAT Services work in practice, they are not widely available. Despite the national opioid overdose crisis, the usage of buprenorphine in medical facilities nationwide is not shared.
Buprenorphine Treatment = A Proven Track Record
Dr. Gail D’Onofrio is the Albert E. Kent Professor of Emergency Medicine and the inaugural chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. Regarding the results, she expresses clearly, “The study enhances the evidence we know about ED buprenorphine induction and could be a game changer, particularly for vulnerable populations.” However, it can only be a game changer if medical practitioners use the drug on patients.
Overall, TTC continues to be surprised by the resistance in medical circles to using medications for addiction treatment. After the results of such a study, it is time to focus on the accessibility of successful medical treatments. Moreover, the study concludes, “In this geographically diverse observational cohort, buprenorphine induction in the ED remained safe and effective, even with fentanyl present. Continued access to buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment is essential given the ongoing overdose crisis.”
Normalizing Buprenorphine Treatment Nationwide
From the perspective of TTC, the use of buprenorphine needs to become a normative reality nationwide. If buprenorphine treatment saves lives, why is it not available in Emergency Rooms and beyond? Since MAT Services work in practice, they need to be a normative reality. Ultimately, saving lives needs to be the number one priority. Successful medical studies are proving grounds for safety and effectiveness. However, if the results of the studies lead to no substantial changes, what is the ultimate point?
As a provider of MAT Services, TTC takes part in clinical trials with FDA approval and scientific verification. Once the results prove that Medications for Addiction Treatment reduce morbidity, we do not sit on our hands and do nothing. Rather, we make the usage of buprenorphine treatment a priority in substance use disorder services. To learn more about Medications for Addiction Treatment, please contact us today.