Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Summer 2018

MAT increases the chances of successful recovery, but medication alone is not enough. Counseling is a key part of the support system for opioid misuse patients. Strategies that help prevent relapse The opioid epidemic does not discriminate. “These are human beings,” Jensen says. “These are our family members, our neighbors. They’re in our church. They’re from all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.” The MAT program follows a national standard that addresses patients psychologically, socially and spiritually. Medical and behavioral concerns may prevent an applicant from being accepted to the program. Every effort possible is made to accept patients to the MAT treatment program, including same-day assessment for physician review. Walk- ins are welcome. Ability to pay is also flexible. “We do have a sliding fee scale based on household income,” says Grigg. “If individuals come to us without insurance, we work with them to determine their insurance eligibility. We work with each of our patients according to their needs and strive to not let income be a reason for denial of treatment.” The national standard is to have MAT treatment coupled with counseling tailored to an individual’s needs. Jensen says that patients in the program wake up knowing they have hope—that there is help for them. “It is confidential, comfortable and respectful,” notes Jensen. Counseling helps themmove away from the subculture of addiction—and related problems like stealing to obtain illegal drugs—to a healthy culture without drugs and addiction. Patients learn strategies to help them avoid social situations or parties that could put them at risk for relapse. Never give up Brandon credits the MAT program with not only turning his life around but also saving his life. He lives for his future now. In addition to his construction job, he’s starting a painting business, and he has plans to buy a home and start a family. He works out at the gym. With his big smile and healthy outlook, Brandon has inspired people he knows who are struggling with substance abuse to try the MAT program. “And they’re looking good,” he says. “And I’m just like ‘dude, stay on it. Stay on it.’” The opioid crisis What Bartlett is doing to end addiction in Alaska As of spring 2018, Bartlett Regional Hospital’s medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program has served 40 patients, with the goal of serving 75 patients by the end of 2019. This program is one of a few such programs in Alaska that is funded by a state grant from federal funds. The state and federal government investment in the MAT program helps address this dire situation: w w Drug abuse in Alaska cost the state $1.22 billion in 2015, according to the update to a 2016 McDowell Group report commissioned by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. w w Three-quarters of 2016 overdose deaths (95) involved opioids, according to the Epidemiology Bulletin published by the state of Alaska. w w In early 2017, Gov. Bill Walker declared the opioid crisis a public health disaster. The list of societal costs include loss of productivity, traffic collisions, criminal justice and protective services, public assistance, and social services and health care. Government health officials are actively working to dispel the perception that the MAT program substitutes one drug for another. “When combined with psychological and social support, MAT is the most effective path to recovery,” wrote Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Chief Medical Officer Jay C. Butler, MD, in a recent editorial in the Juneau Empire . “Just as people with type 2 diabetes or asthma do best with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes, a multipronged approach that includes medication is also the best way to treat opioid addiction. And like other chronic diseases, addiction requires long-term management.” WE’RE READY AND WILLING TO HELP. To learn more about Bartlett Regional Hospital’s MAT program, call 907-796-8690 . www.bartletthospital.org 9