Medication for opioid use disorder is an effective treatment and increases time in recovery. However, recovery is not linear, so care coordination and equitable access to other services is critical.
Prevention
By identifying mental health issues and other risk factors, medical professionals can help prevent or provide early intervention for opioid use disorder.
One example of this is public health campaigns that educate people about the risks associated with opioid use.
Other efforts include working with medical professionals to reduce opioid prescriptions, including education around proper prescribing, non-opioid pain medication options, prescription drug monitoring programs, etc. The goal is to prevent people from developing opioid use disorder.
Additionally, the University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center is working to advance research and prevention.
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction aims to reduce the negative consequences of opioid use disorder. It recognizes that recovery may take several tries and meets users where they are in their journey.
Harm reduction strategies, from safer and/or managed use—such as syringe services, naloxone distribution programs, and sharing fentanyl test kits—to post-overdose response are designed to keep those with opioid use disorder safe. Search for harm reduction services across the state here.
Treatment
Medication for opioid use disorder is an evidence-based approach to reduce opioid use and retain patients in treatment.
Michigan’s hospitals and jails are critical intervention points to reach and treat those with opioid use disorder in an effort to increase access to medication for opioid use disorder statewide and to provide equitable care that meets individuals where they are in their journey.
"We need to cultivate empathy and sympathy for people dealing with opioid use disorder. Taking the time to understand the patients’ needs and making sure health care staff are empowered to help them are critical to success." Dr. Andrew King Detroit Medical Center and assistant professor, Wayne State University School of Medicine
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If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder, visit SAMHSA.gov/find-treatment and Michigan.gov/opioids
Questions? Feel free to contact
Marissa Natzke
Project Manager, Health Initiatives, Michigan Opioid Partnership