b'Addressing their biologyand soul. MOUD should be part ofhealth issues are assessed and A ddressing the biologicala continuum of care; using it aloneaddressed. Standardized evaluations, domain means healing thetreats the disease but neglects thesuch as those performed in a chemi-damaged parts of the body,person it affects. Methadone andcal dependency assessment, are including the brain. From neurotrans- Buprenorphine are still opioids. essential. Treatments typically involve mitters to hormones to central wiring,Although their mechanism of actiona combination of behavioral therapies the addicted brain faces dramaticmakes them less prone to being and medications. Techniques such as structural and chemical alterations.diverted for use in addiction, it stillmotivational interviewing and cogni-Medications for Opioid Use Disorderoccurs. People using them may alsotive behavioral therapy have amazing (MOUD), including buprenorphinecite concerns with cognitive impair- science supporting their value, and and methadone, are proven drugsment or memory. The risks of useboth can be integrated into various that help stabilize these defects somust be weighed against the tremen- therapeutic settings such as family that the brain can heal. Integratingdous benefits in the initial months ofcounseling, drug and alcohol coun-MOUD dramatically improves atreatment. Despite the benefits of suchseling, and group sessions. clients ability to engage in othermedications, there is still stigma and forms of treatment and reducesconcern about using MOUD, and lessMeeting their social needs mortality by more than 60 percent.than 10 percent of patients with OUDP utting together a dismantled When dosed correctly, MOUD treat- ever gain access to them. We can dolife is overwhelming. For ment can end withdrawals, preventbetter. As of January 2023, everymany with OUD, housing euphoric surges, and improve depres- DEA-licensed clinician in Americaand food insecurity, criminal charges, sion. While patients with low-severitycan now offer buprenorphine, makingchild custody debates, and loss of OUD may be able to avoid relapsepartnerships with community primarygainful employment are heavy weights without MOUD treatment, its clearcare providers an easy way to fill thisthat compromise focus on treatment that moderate to severe OUD patientstreatment gap. plans. Without support, the stress need medical intervention as partcan trigger relapses. Programs that of their continuum of care. The dataTreating their mental healthinclude after-care support and social shows that 90 percent of people whoI ts estimated that 50 percent ofreintegration planning can dramati-attempt to achieve sobriety withoutpeople with OUD have concur- cally improve both abstinence and using these medications will berent mental health disorders. Forrecovery. Peer-recovery support back on opioids within one year some, mental health problems pre- specialists are people with personal typically within 90 days. ceded opioid use; for others, opioidsbackgrounds in addiction trained The purpose of MOUD is to helpwere the cause. Regardless of whichto help those still struggling navigate the client be restored: body, mindcame first, its imperative that mentalthrough the recovery process. Its estimated that 50 percent of people with OUD have concurrent mental health disorders. For some, mental health problems preceded opioid use; for others, opioids were the cause. Regardless of which came first, its imperative that mental health issues are assessed and addressed. 32 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024'