Low Threshold Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder-Resource Low Threshold Treatment for OUD

Resource Low Threshold Treatment for OUD

Pdf Summary

This document focuses on low threshold treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). It highlights the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act (MATE), which requires an 8-hour training for providers applying for DEA licenses in the evaluation, treatment, and management of substance use disorders. The objectives of the document include describing low threshold treatment for OUD, identifying medications used in this treatment, summarizing social support strategies, and discussing barriers to care.<br /><br />The document emphasizes the importance of low threshold treatment in removing barriers to access to medication for OUD. It highlights the rigid requirements and stigma associated with traditional treatment methods and proposes a harm reduction strategy that is patient-centered and flexible in terms of location. This approach focuses on outcomes that are important to the patient and supports entry into treatment without a waiting period.<br /><br />Two medications commonly used in low threshold treatment are methadone and buprenorphine. Methadone is provided by specialized opioid treatment programs and requires in-person daily administration with limited take-home doses. Buprenorphine, on the other hand, is safe and effective, allowing for telehealth evaluation and take-home dosing. This medication offers same-day treatment options without the need to wait.<br /><br />Social support is also a key component of low threshold treatment. It acknowledges the importance of family, peer, and social networks in supporting individuals with OUD. Non-traditional settings such as primary care, office-based settings, emergency rooms, and homeless healthcare treatment sites are identified as locations for providing low threshold treatment.<br /><br />Overall, this document highlights the benefits of low threshold treatment in combating the opioid epidemic and increasing access to medication for individuals with OUD. It emphasizes the importance of a patient-centered approach, flexible location options, and social support in achieving positive outcomes.

Keywords

low threshold treatment

opioid use disorder

Medication Access and Training Expansion Act

medications

barriers to care

access to medication

harm reduction strategy

methadone

buprenorphine

social support