Our nation has a long history of using opioids to treat pain. Morphine was first used as an anesthetic by field medics during the Civil War. In response to morphine addiction among soldiers, Bayer introduced heroin in 1898 as a less-addictive alternative to morphine. The addictive nature of heroin quickly became apparent, and by 1924 the federal government had banned the production and sale of it.
Today’s opioid epidemic began in 1995 with the introduction of OxyContin. The maker, Perdue Pharma, falsely marketed it as a non-addictive alternative to other opioid painkillers, and the number of prescriptions skyrocketed. More than 25 years later, our nation remains caught in the clutches of this catastrophic epidemic. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that nearly 128 Americans die daily from opioid-related overdoses. MD M.A.T.T. in Washington, D.C., is committed to helping end opioid addiction. We provide comprehensive, affordable opioid addiction treatment services. Contact us at 202.933.5583 to learn how we can help you or your loved one overcome opioid use disorder (OUD).
What Are Virtual Treatment Services for Addiction?
While the opioid epidemic continues to destroy the lives of millions of Americans, current data shows that the rates of people in OUD treatment have steadily increased in recent years. Experts believe this increase correlates to increased use of virtual treatment services and changes to restrictions on buprenorphine prescribing practices since COVID-19.
Telehealth treatment services are not new. However, they have been widely underused for decades. Telemedicine uses two-way telecommunication technology to provide clinical care virtually rather than in-person. MD M.A.T.T. in Washington, D.C., offers virtual treatment services for OUD seven days a week through various advanced technologies, including:
- Smartphone applications
- Video conferences
- Email communications
- Web-based treatment tools
- Text messaging
- Telephone-based services
Though medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is highly effective in treating OUD, it is heavily regulated, which limits accessibility, particularly in rural communities where rates of OUD tend to be higher.
Rural communities typically have fewer primary care physicians, specialists, mental health providers, and addiction recovery programs. Virtual treatment services help fill this void by connecting patients to service providers outside of their local communities.
Benefits of Online Addiction Treatment
The most significant benefit of online addiction treatment is increased access to comprehensive MAT and therapy, particularly in underserved communities. Online addiction treatment programs help eliminate barriers to treatment, including location, cost of treatment, and stigma.
In addition to increased access to care, significant benefits of a telehealth treatment program include the following:
- Higher rates of compliance with treatment
- Increased patient satisfaction
- Improved mental health
- Lower rates of illicit opioid use
- Fewer hospitalizations
- Decreased overdose and mortality rates
- Reduced risk for chronic relapse
- Lower rates of illegal activity
Online addiction treatment allows patients to access providers quickly in times of crisis. These services place less burden on treatment centers and overcrowded doctor’s offices and emergency departments. Online addiction treatment gives patients the option to receive adequate treatment from home, making them more likely to reach out for help. Through online addiction treatment, providers can reach more patients with whom they can stay connected for extended periods compared to other programs.
Learn More About the Telehealth Treatment Services at MD M.A.T.T. Washington, D.C.
OUD affects over two million Americans from all walks of life. The stigma associated with OUD is a significant barrier to seeking treatment, as is the scarcity of programs in rural areas. A telehealth treatment program offers a solution to these obstacles.
In the telehealth treatment program at MD M.A.T.T. Washington, D.C., you or your loved one can receive comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to overcome opioid addiction.
Our team of dedicated doctors, counselors, and psychiatrists understands that opioid addiction is not a choice. We take the time to get to know you and develop a treatment plan customized to your needs.
Our integrated use of Suboxone-focused MAT to manage pain, prevent withdrawal, and control cravings, and therapy to uncover and address the root causes of opioid addiction will lay the foundation for the recovery you have been seeking. Contact MD M.A.T.T. in Washington, D.C., today at 202.933.5583 to learn more.
