How can you help people overcome addiction and stay healthy after the program is done? Many of you have probably asked this question multiple times, without getting a viable answer. After all, keeping track of patients is next to impossible, right? According to addiction specialists in Canada, the answer to this question is a huge “no.” Recently, these professionals have developed a program that not only helps patients get better but also helps them stay better, cutting down the risks for relapse and disease transmission down by startling degrees. In fact, reports indicate that the amount of people who adhered to this 18-month program and stayed sober nearly doubled in Canadian provinces. Even more remarkable, this program also seems to have cut down the rates of HIV/AIDs, as well. Has Canada found a solution we in the United States should consider adopting? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
A High Rate of Success
Needless to say, British Columbia appears to have cracked one of the problems with drug abuse and addiction: patient-monitoring post-program. In fact, a new 18-month addiction treatment program has been so successful that officials are expanding this project across the entire province. Led by the BC Center for Excellence, this program has also been a definitive driving force for putting a dent into the spread of HIV/AIDS across British Columbia.
So, what does the program entail, exactly? According to Dr. Rolando Barrios (senior medical director for the BC Center), as part of this new activity, medical professionals at the clinic will track patients who do not show up for treatment, and a group of doctors, nurses, and social workers will help these men and women endure their program and find resources for finances and housing.
What Are the Results?
As part of the pilot program, 1,100 patients enrolled at 17 clinics across Vancouver. As a result of the study, researchers reported that a staggering 7 out of 10 of the test subjects successfully completed this program for 3 months (an increase from 3 out of 10 people). Ultimately, doctors at the clinics prescribed substitute opioids to cut cravings and alleviate symptoms of withdrawal. According to Dr. Barrios, this high rate of patient retention (especially people who are addicted to opioids like fentanyl) has marked the first successful step to fighting the opioid crisis in a while.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder is a terrifying aspect of reality. However, as we have seen with the Canadian pilot program in Vancouver, if you adhere to your treatment and put in an effort to get better, you will find success. If you are suffering from opioid abuse or addiction of any sort, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of rehabilitation to help you separate yourself from these substances.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can beat your opioid addiction today. The time to take back control of your life is now.