#United States #addiction recovery #Roswell #Medication-Assisted Treatment #Opioid Abuse

The Urgent Need for Change in Opioid Treatment Standards

In a compelling new publication, Trent Carter, a board-certified nurse practitioner, and a well-known expert in addiction recovery, is shaking the foundations of current medical practices concerning opioid and fentanyl addiction treatment. He warns that neglecting to offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to addicted individuals is not just a lapse in judgment; it could be construed as malpractice.

Carter emphasizes, "Too many providers still avoid MAT altogether. That’s not just a missed opportunity; it’s a failure of care." His assertion stems from a growing body of evidence demonstrating that MAT significantly enhances the likelihood of recovery for individuals battling addiction. The Healthy People 2030 initiative corroborates the urgent need for wider adoption of MAT, highlighting its importance in reducing overdose incidents and enhancing quality of life.

MAT is grounded in the use of FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone, which are designed to reduce cravings, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and stabilize brain chemistry. These medications allow patients to engage fully in counseling sessions, set realistic life goals, and make strides toward long-lasting recovery.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

According to research and clinical findings cited by Carter, MAT offers numerous benefits:

• - Flexible Treatment Options: Patients can choose between long-acting injections or take-home medications, tailored to their lifestyle and recovery needs.
• - Reduced Relapse Risk: Using regulated medications can significantly lower the risk of relapse and potential overdose.
• - Building Trust in Recovery: When patients receive the appropriate care, it fosters trust and confidence in the recovery process.
• - Physical Stability: MAT stabilizes individuals physically, allowing them to fully benefit from accompanying behavioral therapies.

Despite the demonstrated efficacy, a disturbingly high number of healthcare providers continue to overlook or outright dismiss MAT, gravely endangering their patients. Carter warns that this failure not only risks lives but may also contravene medical ethics and legal obligations.

Carter reinforces, "MAT is not an optional extra; it’s the gold standard. Withholding it increases harm and limits a patient's informed consent rights." Through his book, The Recovery Tool Belt, he delves into the science behind opioid addiction and advocates for making medication the cornerstone of addiction treatment rather than a secondary consideration.

In his exploration, Carter provides statistics showing the correlation between medication use in treatment and successful recovery rates. A substantial portion of individuals undergoing MAT report not only improved physical health but also a re-emergence of self-efficacy and hopefulness, which are crucial for sustaining recovery.

Carter's urgent message for change in medical practices surrounding opioid treatment has consequences that go beyond the individual. It presents an opportunity for practitioners to reassess their methods and elevate their standards of care in addiction treatment. As the opioid crisis continues to ravage communities, embracing comprehensive treatment modalities like MAT can play a vital role in reversing the tide.

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This is a critical moment in the fight against opioid addiction, and stakeholders at all levels must rally to push for adherence to the gold standard of care. The health and lives of countless individuals depend on it.