LESC is Breaking the Cycle of Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder affects millions of people worldwide, often bringing with it devastating effects on their lives, families, and communities. Over the years, several approaches have been used for opioid addiction treatment, including behavioral therapy, group counseling, and self-help groups. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) has emerged as an effective, FDA-approved approach for those with Opioid Use Disorders (OUD). Medication-assisted treatment involves medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to help those who struggle with addiction to sustain recovery. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone are used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms – making it easier for individuals to abstain from opioid use.

LESC’s Medical Director of Su Casa Residential Treatment and Outpatient Recovery Services, Dr. Joseph Gallo, explained how MAT works:

• Methadone is a synthetic opioid taken orally that binds to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids – but without producing the same level of euphoria or “high.”
• Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist also taken orally or as a dissolvable film under the tongue. Buprenorphine works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, but with a lower level of euphoria or “high” than full agonists like heroin.
• Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the effects of opioids. Naltrexone is taken orally or as a monthly injection. Naltrexone works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, making it impossible to get high from opioids.

NOTE: Methadone can only be dispensed through specialized clinics, like LESC Outpatient Maintenance Clinic, that are licensed to provide this medication. And buprenorphine and naltrexone can only be prescribed by qualified healthcare providers like the medical team at LESC.

De-Bunking 5 Myths About Medication-Assisted Treatment

Despite the overwhelming evidence in support of MAT, there are still many misconceptions surrounding this form of opioid addiction treatment. We asked Dr. Gallo to address some misunderstandings about medication-assisted treatment.

Myth #1: Medication-assisted treatment is just replacing one drug with another.

Fact: MAT medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to achieve and maintain abstinence from opioids. At LESC, these medications are used as part of a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan that also includes behavioral therapy, counseling, supportive housing, education, and energized community engagement.

Myth #2: Medication-assisted treatment is not effective.

Fact: MAT saves lives. Research consistently demonstrates that medication-assisted treatment reduces opioid use, improves retention in treatment, and reduces the risk of overdose and other health problems.

Myth #3: Medication-assisted treatment is just a short-term solution.

Fact: Studies demonstrate that longer periods of treatment are associated with better outcomes, including reduced opioid use, improved physical and mental health, and reduced risk of relapse.

Myth #4: Medication-assisted treatment is just a “band-aid” solution.

Fact: Research reveals MAT can help individuals achieve and maintain abstinence from opioids, leading to improved health and quality of life. Moreover, medication-assisted treatment continues to help clients address the underlying issues that contribute to their opioid addiction – including trauma or mental health conditions.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has been shown to have a range of benefits for individuals with substance use disorders, particularly those with opioid use disorder. Some of the key benefits of MAT include:

1. Increased patient survival: MAT can help individuals reduce their risk of fatal overdose, as the medications used in MAT can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for opioids. In fact, research has shown that individuals receiving MAT are less likely to die from an overdose compared to those who do not receive MAT.
2. Improved retention in treatment: MAT can help individuals stay engaged in treatment for longer periods of time, which is an important factor in achieving and maintaining recovery. Research has shown that individuals receiving MAT are more likely to stay in treatment than those who do not receive MAT.
3. Decreased illicit opioid use and other criminal activity: MAT can help individuals reduce their use of illicit opioids, as well as other criminal activity associated with substance use disorders. This can have a range of positive impacts on individuals’ lives, including reducing the risk of arrest, incarceration, and other legal consequences.
4. Increased ability to gain and maintain employment: MAT can help individuals manage their substance use disorders, which can in turn improve their ability to gain and maintain employment. This can have a range of positive impacts on individuals’ lives, including improving their financial stability, social support, and overall quality of life.
5. Improved birth outcomes for pregnant women with substance use disorders: MAT can help pregnant women with opioid use disorders manage their addiction, which can improve their health and the health of their unborn child. Research has shown that programs like the LESC Pregnant Women and Infants Program can reduce the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and other negative birth outcomes among women with substance use disorders.

Ultimately, the goal of medication-assisted treatment is to support individuals in achieving full recovery, which includes the ability to live a self-directed life. MAT can be an important tool in helping individuals manage their substance use disorders, reduce the harm associated with opioid use, and improve clients’ overall quality of life.

(Source: SAMSHA)

Dr. Gallo explained that because LESC offers a comprehensive range of Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs, clients can easily be transitioned from residential to outpatient and back – based on their individual needs. “We get a lot of clients who come from detox and short-term rehab programs who go into detox and are discharged but need more time for sustainable recovery.” He also noted that many clients who come to LESC are homeless, so residential programs that offer a drug-free “home-like” environment, vocational training, work assignments and peer support help make recovery possible.

He stressed the importance of an individualized approach to MAT. “When clients are in a chronic persistent abstinent phase, they can have difficulty coming down off medication. They may have trouble sleeping and a strong urge to use drugs: they think about, they dream about getting high. That's one of the reasons that may have to temporarily stop the taper. That may mean tapering at a slower rate,” Dr. Gallo offered. “The situation has gotten worse recently with fentanyl in the supply, because it's so strong that it results in powerful cravings.”

LESC Su Casa Residential MAT Programs

LESC Su Casa accepts and supports clients who are currently using methadone or suboxone for addiction treatment. In fact, Su Casa was the first facility in the region to offer a residential program of MAT to abstinence. LESC Su Casa is home to several residential treatment programs, including long-stay, short-stay residential, and a residential program for pregnant women and infants that offer MAT.

·      LESC Su Casa Long Stay Medication to Abstinence Residence Program (MTAR)

·      LESC Su Casa Short Stay Medication Assisted Maintenance Program

·      LESC Pregnant Women and Infants Program

LESC Outpatient Maintenance Program

At LESC we understand that recovery is a process. That’s why the LESC Outpatient Maintenance Clinic offers a range of hours to address the work, school, and family schedules of our clients. We work to address the needs of the clients at every level so they can become productive citizens in the communities where they live.

LESC Outpatient Maintenance Early Clinic

Location: 46 East Broadway unit One

Hours: 6:45 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

LESC Outpatient Maintenance Late Clinic

Location: 46 East Broadway unit One

Hours: 9:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.

            3:30 p.m. until 6:15 p.m.