Pittsburg, Kansas — Crawford County Mental Health Center is excited to introduce Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), a new comprehensive program that is individually tailored to the needs of each patient, utilizing medication in conjunction with counseling to treat addiction and substance use disorders. MAT has been shown to be more effective than medication or counseling alone for substance use treatment.
Almost 100,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2020, and 75% of those deaths involved an opioid. Drug overdose deaths have continued to rise in the United States since that time. According to the National Safety Council, in 2021, 98,268 individuals died from preventable drug overdoses — an increase of 781% since 1999. Those deaths represented 92% of the total 106,699 drug overdose deaths in the United States.
Fentanyl and other opioids such as Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Codeine, Morphine, and Methadone, are currently fueling the worst drug crisis in the history of the United States. Today, more than 1,500 individuals per week die from taking some type of opioid, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, making opioids by far the leading cause of drug overdoses in the United States. However, there is hope.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines medication and counseling to provide maximum support to a substance addicted individual. MAT helps relieve the heavy withdrawal symptoms that an addicted individual may have, while counseling promotes positive behavior and lifestyle changes. With cravings and withdrawal symptoms managed, individuals can focus on long term remission and recovery.
“We really cannot overstate the role that medications play in addressing the medical components of addiction, as well as the impact those medications have on counseling, allowing us to focus on the behavioral components of addiction,” said James Childers, Director of A&D and SMVF Services.
Childers continued, saying, “We believe addiction is both a behavioral and medical disease. While MAT will assist with the medical aspect of addiction, counseling services are geared toward addressing the lifestyle components. Counseling helps teach coping skills and how to prevent relapse.”
By using U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications for opioid use disorder, the death rate among those living with an addiction is reduced by 50% or more. In fact, MAT programs not only reduce the chances of relapse and overdose, but criminal activity and transmission of infectious diseases are also reduced for those receiving treatment.
A common misconception about MAT is that it is just trading one addiction for another.
“MAT medications do not get a person high. Instead, MAT medications work to block euphoric effects of opioids, relieve cravings, normalize brain chemistry, and normalize physical functions without withdrawal effects,” said Sandra Anderson, APRN.
“The simple fact is Medication Assisted Treatment is lifesaving and life-changing for those experiencing addiction. Our team at Crawford County Mental Health Center is ready to help you on your path to recovery,” says Cheryl Lemmon, APRN.
As of June 5th, 2023, Medication Assisted Treatment services are operational at Crawford County Mental Health Center. MAT program referrals for new patients can be accessed through the Same Day Access clinic, which operates Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The Same Day Access clinic encourages walk-ins, and is located at 911 E Centennial in Pittsburg, Kansas. MAT program referrals for existing Crawford County Mental Health patients can be accessed through the patient’s current Qualified Mental Health Professional or Counselor.
“We recognize that everyone’s pathway to recovery is unique, and we are in the process of establishing support groups for those engaged in or supportive of the MAT program,” says James Childers.
At this time, Crawford County Mental Health Center is planning the creation of a local Medication Assisted Recovery Anonymous (MARA) group, which will be a 12-step based program geared towards the acceptance of individuals who utilize MAT in their substance use recovery. Until a local group is created, interested individuals may navigate to
https://www.mara-international.org/ to find an online MARA meeting and recovery resources.
Members of the Medication Assisted Treatment team include Jason Southard, Sandra Anderson, Cheryl Lemmon, James Childers, Michelle Stevens, Tiffany Cook, Kasia Hoover, Pam Whetzell, Kordon Johns, Charity Burchett, Shechinah Bennett, Dustin Harryman, Heather Burns, Deborah Cancinos, Terry Waggoner, Rebecca Daniels, and Barb Phillips
Crawford County Mental Health Center has been serving the mental health needs of Crawford County since 1961, offering adult, children, crisis, and substance use services. For more information, please call 620-231-5130 or visit www.crawfordmentalhealth.org.