Unveiling Neglected Opioids Addiction Treatment: A recent study conducted by researchers has brought to light a concerning issue regarding the treatment of young individuals struggling with opioids addiction in residential rehab centers. The study revealed that these centers, despite offering various therapies such as horse therapy or art therapy, fail to provide a crucial and “life-saving” drug that is highly effective in treating the disorder.
Buprenorphine, considered the gold standard for treating opioid use disorder, is not offered or even recognized by 25% of the rehab centers surveyed. Dr. Todd Korthuis, a professor of medicine and head of addiction medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, emphasized the significance of buprenorphine as a lifesaving medication approved by the FDA for individuals aged 16 and older. It is usually administered as a small dissolvable pill or film under the tongue.
The findings of this research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, shed light on the prevailing lack of access to appropriate treatment options for young people battling opioid addiction. Residential rehab programs can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $17,000, often requiring upfront payment. However, despite the high financial burden, these programs neglect to incorporate buprenorphine into their treatment plans.
According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an alarming 9.2 million individuals aged 12 and older were reported to be abusing opioids, including the highly potent fentanyl. Disturbingly, fatal overdoses involving fentanyl among children aged 10 to 19 increased by 182% between 2019 and 2021.
Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stressed the importance of buprenorphine administration in preventing overdoses and reducing mortality rates. The research team identified 354 facilities nationwide that provided treatment to teenagers, and only 29% of these facilities offered buprenorphine as part of their treatment plans. This lack of access to buprenorphine signifies a significant barrier to effective care for young individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
Buprenorphine: Resetting the Brain for Recovery
Buprenorphine plays a crucial role in helping teenagers reset their brains, allowing them to focus on their recovery, education, and everyday activities. Prior to buprenorphine treatment, individuals often find it difficult to concentrate on anything other than their next dose of fentanyl.
It is essential to note that buprenorphine is approved for individuals aged 16 and above, but it can also be used off-label for younger children. However, the study revealed that some rehab facilities were completely unaware of buprenorphine as a viable treatment option.
Dr. Sharon Levy, chief of the Division of Addiction Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital, expressed her astonishment at the lack of buprenorphine availability in adolescent treatment programs. She emphasized that addiction should be understood as a medical condition rather than a moral failing or behavioral issue. While the transition to this perspective is underway, it is evident that there is still a long way to go in implementing effective and comprehensive treatment for opioid addiction.
In conclusion, the neglect of buprenorphine in residential rehab centers highlights a critical gap in the provision of adequate care for young individuals struggling with opioids addiction. Urgent attention and action are needed to address this issue and ensure that evidence-based treatments are accessible to those who need them most.
Published in PakWeb, June 14th, 2023.
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