Very interesting article and hits it right on the nose.
We have just spent the past 12 days “googling” MAT/OPI Treatment facilities. Those 2 acronyms will limit your search immensely, not to mention the average cost starts at $10,000 -$13,000 for the FIRST month. Then it drops to a menial $3,000 - $7,000 each month thereafter. Besides the cost, by servicing patients with Suboxone, Methadone and or Vivitrol, the medications must be kept in a lockbox OR somewhere on the property for medical staff to distribute daily and most don’t want the expense of medical personnel nor will they rx a narcotic.
We just talked to a facility 2 days ago. He would have to get an Uber to get his medications daily. Another facility when asked if they allow suboxone and Seraquel (to help sleep) yelled at him and said,”We have a no drug policy here” and slammed down the phone. I sure hope these particular people are always strong enough to handle “life!” Addiction is not a weakness. It is a disease. If medication helps, then all of these money making schemes (minimum requirements of attending mtgs, offer yoga, chef made foods) need to get on board and invest in the cost of medical personnel to run a MAT facility offering IOP ( intensive Outpatient Treatment).
Our son was just released from rehab after 32 days and is now catching a flight Sunday for a long term MAT/IOP treatment facility. Literally ALL but this and a more costlier facility were the only 2 that offered both. He will receive his medications daily, expected to find employment within 30 days, attend meetings, pay his own rent (from his paycheck 175.00 a week) and can continue his college courses. He was fortunate enough to have people in rehabs that have remained friends in these areas to help him with referrals.
Suboxone is a Godsend for our son. He will be on it 10 years. It is a maintenance drug for him. It suppresses the craving. No different than a blood pressure pill or anxiety medication for others. He was also dual diagnosed with SEVERE Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and they prescribed Vyvanse for him to help him focus. He IS an addict BUT his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) feeds his addiction. Once the thought enters his mind of a drug, he can’t shake the thought and it becomes a passion, a lust for the substance. This medication along with “mind tools” can and are a lifesaver.