Evidence-based treatment offers hope to those with opioid addiction
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) now offered by Reach for Recovery
HOLLAND, MI – October 18, 2021 – Reach for Recovery today announced it is offering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which is primarily used to treat opioid use (addiction) disorders, sustain recovery and prevent overdose. Proven to be clinically effective, MAT significantly reduces the need for inpatient detoxification services for individuals. Reach for Recovery, formerly Ottagan Addictions Recovery, is now offering MAT at both its Holland and Grand Haven offices. “MAT has been proven to substantially reduce the risk of unintentional overdose and assist with recovery,” said David Teater, Executive Director at Reach for Recovery. “Our hope is to get word out to as many people as we can because options for MAT treatment have been limited and it’s important for those suffering from substance use disorder to know that recovery is possible with MAT.”
Drug overdose deaths increased 29% in 2020 across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provisional drug overdose death counts for 2020. West Michigan experienced a similar trend; Kent County had 124 drug overdose deaths in 2020 compared to 109 in 2019. Fentanyl, which is 80 – 100 times stronger than morphine, is the most abused drug because of its powerful opioid properties. As a MAT provider, OAR is positioned to more effectively help those seeking treatment for opioid use disorder.
“It’s important that those suffering know that recovery is possible with MAT,” said Linda Rossman, Reach for Recovery’s MAT prescriber. Rossman, who brings more than 40 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner in West MI, will work with MAT patients who will also receive counseling and behavioral therapies. This ‘whole person’ approach to treatment has proved to be the most effective.
How Does MAT Work?
MAT involves the combination of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications and behavioral counseling. The prescribed medication normalizes brain chemistry, blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieves physiological cravings or withdrawals, and normalizes body functions without the negative and euphoric effects of the substance used. With the help of medication, clients are more inclined to remain in treatment and increase their chances of survival due to the minimization of opioid withdrawal.
About Linda Rossman, MSN, RN, WHNP-BC, PNP-BC, SANE-A, SANE-P
Linda Rossman is a highly regarded Nurse Practitioner in Grand Rapids, MI. An accomplished clinical author and presenter, Rossman brings 40 years of nursing experience to Reach for Recovery’s MAT program.
About Reach for Recovery
Celebrating its 50th year serving West Michigan, Reach for Recovery, formerly OAR, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people and families in their struggle with alcoholism and chemical dependency. As one of the few organizations on the lakeshore specializing in the disease of addiction, Reach for Recovery’s new offering addresses an unmet need. To learn more or to schedule a MAT appointment, please call (616) 396-5284 or email Info@reachforrecovery.org.
