Opioid Addiction & Treatment Addiction to opioids, such as heroin and prescription pain relievers like oxycontin, is a serious public health problem, with potentially devastating consequences — both for the people who are addicted and for our communities. Visit the Vermont Department of Health to learn more and get help and advice. Learn More Resources People addicted to opiates can recover with treatment and support. Vermont is committed to making sure these services are available. Where to Get Help | Vermont’s Strategy | Overdose Prevention The Challenge of Opioid Addiction Data Briefs: Opioid Misuse, Abuse & Dependence in Vermont Drug-Related Fatalities Neonates Exposed to Opioids in Vermont Where to Get Help Dial 9-1-1 in a medical emergency You are not alone. If you have questions or want help finding a program or service: Call: 802-651-1550 or Email: AHS.VDHADAP@vermont.gov Care Alliance for Opioid Dependence This statewide partnership of clinicians and treatment centers provide Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) to Vermonters who are addicted to opioids. Vermont Treatment Providers and Recovery Centers County directory of substance abuse treatment and recovery services Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator(exit VDH) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) site for locating treatment programs in Vermont or nationally. Parent Toolkit(exit VDH) The Partnership at Drugfree.org(exit VDH) has developed a toolkit providing parents and caregivers with tips for raising drug-free kids. Community Resources & Information Vermont 2-1-1(exit VDH) Information and referral clearinghouse for community resources, including drug and alcohol programs, emergency food and shelter, and counseling. Vermont Community Coalitions Local Health Department District Offices Substance Abuse Treatment Staff Substance Abuse Prevention Staff Preventing Opioid Abuse What Communities Can Do Vermont’s Strategy Addiction to opioids is a public health problem that requires a public health approach. The health, social and economic consequences of this problem led to the development of a comprehensive treatment system that responds specifically to opiod addiction with coordinated and effective action. The Care Alliance for Opioid Treatment Also referred to as the Hub and Spoke System, for delivering Medication Assisted Therapy such as methadone and buprenorphine, emphasizes the care coordination and support that is integral to addiction recovery. This system represents a unique partnership between the Vermont Department of Health’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs and the Department of Vermont Health Access’s Blueprint for Health. Care Alliance for Opioid Dependence “Hub/Spoke” Initiative – Phase 1 Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) MAT is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a whole-patient approach to treatment of substance abuse. MAT Information for Health Professionals Any physician with 30 or more MAT patients is responsible for complying with these rules. Opioid Treatment Guidelines The primary goal of medication assisted therapy is to improve overall individual functioning of the patient. An important component of reaching this goal is the monitoring of illicit substance use. It is recommended that a comprehensive screening for drugs of abuse be done upon admission into opioid treatment programs Vermont Guidelines for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Pregnant Women(exit VDH) These guidelines were created to provide Vermont practitioners with recommendations for the management of opioid dependence during pregnancy. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Addiction Fact Sheet: Assessing the Evidence; Dosage and Treatment Limits; MAT and Pregnancy; and Risks. Treating Opioid Addiction Overdose Prevention Opioid Overdose Prevention Pilot Program: Naloxone The Department of Health developed a statewide pilot program for distributing emergency overdose rescue kits to people at risk of an overdose, and to family members and others who may be in a position to help in the event of an overdose. Through two initial pilot sites the public can learn about overdose prevention, and receive overdose rescue kits for emergency treatment of a suspected opioid drug overdose. All content courtesy of the Vermont Department of Health: http://healthvermont.gov/adap/treatment/opioids/.
