Why am I passionate about Opioid Addiction?
As an addiction specialist for nearly a decade, I’ve worked with a lot of people in recovery.
Years ago, I stumbled into a job at a clinic that utilized MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) and my worldview shifted.
Here’s what stood out:
-The science is there. The studies are clear.
Recovery from opioid dependence will look different than recovery from other substances.
-Counselors aren’t always aware of the studies and specifics regarding how opioid dependence is different.
I didn’t learn about this in school. I didn’t learn this while seeking my license. I’m grateful to have been at some cutting-edge trainings, but many of my colleagues haven’t had the opportunity to dive deeper into this specific, unique area yet.
-The recovery community shunned people dealing with opioid addiction.
Many of my clients who were in treatment using medication, attending therapy weekly, and staying accountable within the program continued to find stigma when they attempted to find peer support. They were searching for support as recommended, at places such as sober living houses and 12 step programs. Person after person shared stories of how they were treated as less than by their peers in recovery because their treatment needs were different and utilized medication. The phrase “trading one drug for another” was prevalent. That is an oversimplified assumption without considering the research.
I was shocked.
I have never been able to sit back and watch anyone get treated as less than without it bothering me and igniting a passion. That is why I hold space in my practice for folx who are using medication while walking the road to recovery. Medication such as Buprenorphine (aka, Suboxone, Subutex, etc.), Naltrexone (aka, Vivitrol), or Methadone.
Recovery is possible. Medication can help. Medication and behavioral therapy combined are considered best practices and create the best chance of success in recovery.
If you are in a MAT program that includes medication and therapy, high five! I wish you the best. If you are only using medication and you are ready to add therapy to your recovery plan, give me a call.
