Federal Government Updates Overdose Prevention Strategy By Expanding MAT Services
Given the ongoing loss of life, the Overdose Prevention Strategy of the federal government is a national priority. With a focus on expanding access to substance use disorder treatment, HHS updates anachronistic regulations for opioid treatment programs.
Hence, a significant goal of the new strategy is the dramatic expansion of access to lifesaving medications for opioid use disorder. In response, as a long-term provider of MAT Services, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) marks the significance of this advancement.
Overdose Prevention Strategy and MAT Services
Since opening the door to Medications for Addiction Treatment, TTC has been at the forefront of providing MAT Services. Based on an early recognition of the value of these lifesaving medications, TTC knows that MAT Services significantly improve recovery outcomes.
From Naloxone nasal spray to prevent drug overdoses to Buprenorphine to manage cravings during treatment, Medications for Addiction Treatment are a game changer. Thus, it makes sense for them to be a priority. Indeed, they are now a crucial part of the government’s Overdose Prevention Strategy.
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra illuminates the challenge in a recent statement. He explains in a recent HHS press release:
“Drug overdoses reach every corner of our society, taking lives and causing immeasurable pain to families and communities. That’s exactly why President Biden made it a key priority of his Unity Agenda. We have made important progress, but there is still a lot of work to do. But we have the tools, evidence-based strategies, and shared commitment across our nation to take on the overdose epidemic.”
Preventing Drug Overdoses = Accessible Treatment
According to federal data, over 37,000 new patients per month seek buprenorphine treatment. In any given month, approximately 862,000 people receive MAT Services. In direct relation to overdose prevention, access to naloxone has increased by almost 40% rise in the past two years. Moreover, with naloxone now available over-the-counter, access to this lifesaving overdose-prevention drug will continue to rise.
Without question, the value of naloxone in reversing opioid overdoses is universally recognized. However, it is only the beginning of the National Overdose Prevention Strategy. Therefore, once a life is saved and an overdose is prevented, what comes next? Indeed, the following steps are a crucial part of the process.
From the experience of TTC, it is clear that the next step is getting a person into recovery. If they are suffering from opioid use disorder, then MAT Services are a vital aspect of that treatment process. Thus, it makes sense for the federal government to highlight the expansion of MAT Services. Moreover, if you or a loved one needs help today, please do not hesitate to contact Tarzana Treatment Centers. We are here to help save lives.