Thank you Mr. Chairman. I am grateful that this committee has the opportunity to address the various challenges associated with the opioid epidemic. I would also like to thank Ranking Member Brelage as well as the witnesses for being present at the hearing and willing to lend their knowledge expertise to help find a solution to this complex problem our country is facing.
Additionally, I would like to thank my constituent and personal friend, Mrs. Mary McLane for providing me with her story which I will share with you today in her absence. Unfortunately my request for Mrs. McLane’s testimony at this hearing has been denied. I am very disappointed that this request was denied and as such, I would like to explain her story in order to give a …show more content…
MAT combines the use of medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide “a “whole patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.” Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat these disorders, and for some people struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery.
Within the medication-assisted treatment category there are a couple different treatment approaches including detoxification and maintenance. Detoxification is medically supervised and gradually reduces doses of medication to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The goal is to reduce the dosage slowly and discontinue medication by discharge. It is short-term, usually lasting no more than 21 days. Research shows that without further support or treatment, medication-assisted detoxification is not likely to result in long-term recovery.
Maintenance, the type of treatment that Jack had begun, is a form of long-term medication-assisted treatment, usually for at least a year, with periodic reassessment of the need for ongoing treatment. Maintenance therapy can help control cravings and stabilize functions over the long haul, which allows time to focus on building a life in recovery. Research shows that maintenance therapy is more effective than
Additionally, I would like to thank my constituent and personal friend, Mrs. Mary McLane for providing me with her story which I will share with you today in her absence. Unfortunately my request for Mrs. McLane’s testimony at this hearing has been denied. I am very disappointed that this request was denied and as such, I would like to explain her story in order to give a …show more content…
MAT combines the use of medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide “a “whole patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.” Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat these disorders, and for some people struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery.
Within the medication-assisted treatment category there are a couple different treatment approaches including detoxification and maintenance. Detoxification is medically supervised and gradually reduces doses of medication to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The goal is to reduce the dosage slowly and discontinue medication by discharge. It is short-term, usually lasting no more than 21 days. Research shows that without further support or treatment, medication-assisted detoxification is not likely to result in long-term recovery.
Maintenance, the type of treatment that Jack had begun, is a form of long-term medication-assisted treatment, usually for at least a year, with periodic reassessment of the need for ongoing treatment. Maintenance therapy can help control cravings and stabilize functions over the long haul, which allows time to focus on building a life in recovery. Research shows that maintenance therapy is more effective than