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Logansport Memorial Hospital’s Medication Assisted Treatment program continues growth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Last Updated on May 25, 2021 by Logansport Memorial Hospital

Life changes and uncertainty can be challenging for anyone, especially for individuals dealing with mental illness and/or addiction. Over the past year, COVID-19 has changed almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives, and the latest data from the CDC indicates our opioid epidemic has grown. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimated that 10.1million people misused prescription opioids in 2019, causing 70,000+ deaths from opioid-related drug overdoses (https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/index.html).

When it comes to opioid addiction, most people cannot just walk away. They need help, and help is here –with Logansport Memorial Hospital’s Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program for opioid addiction. Substance use affects more families and communities, directly or indirectly, than ever before. By focusing on substance use one patient at a time, we are able to impact families and therefore our communities. Our MAT program offers a holistic approach to treating each individual, and ensures every patient reaches the best version of themselves. Backed by a team of physicians, a nurse practioner, a licensed clinical social worker and dedicated nursing staff, all in the same location, we offer the patient collaborative care that meets their many different needs.

Margaret “Meg” Murray, LCSW for the MAT program said,“Having this type of coordinated care in the same office benefits the patient tremendously. This allows for the providers to work closely together in an efficient manner to ensure the best outcomes possible.It has been said that the most influential component of treatment is the rapport and relationship between providers and patient.Our goal is to meet each individual where they are and help them get to where they want to be. Being invested in our patient’s interests, hopes, dreams and goals keeps us connected with them and helps develop their care and supports outside of treatment.”

With the rise in substance use, there also is an increase of people being diagnosed with mental illness.

“It can be very difficult to differentiate which “came first”, but treating the co-occurring disorders simultaneously increases the positive outcomes. Many times substance abuse develops from what is called “self-medicating” the symptoms of an underlying mental health issue before seeking help. Other times, the mental health issue can complicate the patient’s ability to implement the coping strategies as effectively. This does not mean that recovery cannot and does not happen, it just might take more effort from the patient and their MAT providers,” Murray said.

“It’s important to know that addiction is a disease,” said Stacie Stutzman, certified family nurse practitioner and Program Coordinator for the Logansport Memorial Hospital MAT program. “It is a disease that cannot be cured, but it can be managed with medication, counseling, and support in the ways that we use these tools as part of our program. The goal of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is to recover from addiction. It does not replace one addictive drug with another, and it provides a safe, controlled level of medication to overcome the use of a problem opioid.”

Seeking treatment for an opioid addiction can be a difficult decision and cause a sense of anxiety. LMH’s MAT program offers a safe space for anyone who is ready for that step.

Meg Murray said,“One day or day one? You get to choose. Recovery is the best thing that will ever happen to you. Please allow us to come alongside you during your journey.”

Logansport Memorial Hospital is pleased to provide this much needed treatment option for anyone struggling with opioid addiction. Direct referrals to the MAT program can be made by calling (574) 725-3468. A physician or provider can make the referral, or patients can make a self-referral. To learn more about the program, visit https://www.logansportmemorial.org/Medication-Assisted-Treatment/.

SOURCE: News release from Logansport Memorial Hospital

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