Advancing Forward Health

08/14/2024

Stop by our booth and say Hi 👋

Recovery opportunities Strengthen our community for ongoing recovery and growth.

See you there! 🤗

05/28/2024

If you or someone you know is seeking an 'outdoor' treatment experience, Check out

The healing journey can be joyful!

A Medical Alternative to Traditional Drug Rehab

01/29/2024

❤️

A Community Conversation About Su***de will be held Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Clemmons Branch Library, 6365 James St., in Clemmons. Join us for an open discussion about su***de and learn about future training opportunities.

01/29/2024

Substance use and overdose rates have increased dramatically over the past decade, and more than 75% of drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved an opioid. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is now clearly recognized as a brain disease that responds well to treatment with
medication, such as methadone and buprenorphine, in combination with counseling or other behavior modification strategies. Just as a person with high blood pressure or diabetes takes medication to manage their condition, a person with OUD may take medication to help manage the condition. The success rate of treatment of OUD with medication is well over 50%, whereas the success rate of treatment of OUD with just counseling or participation in
12-step programs or abstinence-based programs is less than 15%. Medication-assisted
treatment (MAT) has also been shown to markedly reduce criminal activity, risk of HIV infection, and overdose deaths among those receiving MAT.

MAT is evidence-based and is the recommended course of treatment for OUD. The American
Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, American Medical Association, National Institute on Drug
Abuse (NIDA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all emphasize MAT as first line treatment for OUD.

Fortunately, MAT is more available than ever. However, there is more stigma against the treatment of opioid use disorder with medication than with counseling or other services. Let’s all work together and support everyone in our recovery community with opioid use disorder who wants to begin or continue the treatment.





Report: Injury and Violence Prevention Branch
NC Division of Public Health
Injury and Violence Prevention Branch