Access to Addiction Treatment Services Has Continued, Even Expanded During Pandemic

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Access to Addiction Treatment Services Has Continued, Even Expanded During Pandemic

Fri, 02/26/2021 - 13:18
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Worries about the pandemic and the potential for related stressors to trigger increased substance use, addiction and overdose deaths haven’t gone unnoticed by Oklahoma’s behavioral health leaders. They are keeping a close watch on trends and happenings across the state, working with treatment providers to ensure service availability.

Many are cautiously confident that enhancements made within the treatment system over the past several years have improved the state’s ability to respond.

Improving access to addiction treatment and recovery supports has long been a priority for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). Seeing a backlog in the number of Oklahomans waiting for substance use treatment, the department initiated changes to contracted provider processes and practices, making it easier to get people to the right care. At the same time, state elected leaders invested in the expansion of residential treatment beds. Together, these changes have eliminated the backlog and reduced the waiting list to zero.

The pandemic has introduced new challenges to treatment availability such as creating isolation areas, distancing, and other require ments to keep staff and clients safe from COVID. Still, doors have remained open and services available.

“Treatment services have continued, even expanded during the pandemic,” said ODMHSAS Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges. “Access is the key to successfully addressing the problem of addiction in our state, and it is a tribute to the dedication of our providers that they have minimized any disruption to the excellent, lifesaving services they provide.”

Substance use treatment looks different for everyone, depending on where they are in the disease process. Various treatment options are available, according to individual need. This might include outpatient treatment that allows the individual to continue work, school and life within the community while undergoing treatment. Residential services are available for illness that has advanced to a point that treatment within a facility setting may be best for a period of time. Other services address detox, recovery and more. Specifically, for opioids, there is medication assisted treatment. Treatment options for women with children, and other services to address specialized needs, also are available.

Rikki is an example of someone able to find the right services. Addicted to opiates, she was able to access treatment and specialized services that allowed her family to stay together during her recovery.

“I was able to find the right services for me, that took into account my family’s needs,” she said. “I want people to know that there is help available, treatment that works and a path to wellness. Take the first step, reach out and ask, because I promise there is someone waiting with answers.”

The system has been created to address the issues that impact Oklahoma, and Oklahomans. These services work, and there are any number of entry points to help get those in need started on the road to recovery.

“Our efforts over the past several years have been to improve and expand access to services, and reduce the barriers to recovery,” said Slatton-Hodges. “When Oklahomans get the right services to treat their mental health and substance use needs, they keep their families together, go back to work, stop getting into legal trouble, find stable housing and are able to live the lives they aspire to live.”

It is easier than ever to find services near you. Visit the ODMHSAS website at www. odmhsas.org and use the online services directory to find treatment providers by zip code or simply call 211 from anywhere in the state. You can also call and visit your nearest Community Mental Health Center or Comprehensive Community Addiction and Recovery Center. They can provide an assessment, quick telehealth links are usually available, and get you started on the road to recovery.