Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Behavioral Health Services:
The physical aspects of addiction can be effectively managed using medication assisted treatment (MAT). There are three main medications that are used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), including Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone. Methadone and Buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Subutex® and injectable Sublocade®) are opioids that prevent and manage the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
- Methadone can only be prescribed and provided by a Federally licensed Outpatient Treatment Program (OTP).
- Buprenorphine ,on the other hand, is available in an Outpatient Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) clinic setting by a medical provider.
- Naltrexone is an opioid blocker that is available either by a once a day tablet or once a month injection (Vivitrol®) in clinic. Naltrexone is not an opioid and does not cause opioid intoxicating effects, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone can only be administered after an individual completes opioid detoxification by going through opioid withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal supportive care medications are able to be prescribed after a clinic appointment to assist with detoxification. In addition to opioid dependence relapse prevention, naltrexone provides great benefit for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder. Naltrexone reduces and often completely eliminates the physical and psychological ‘cravings’ and reducing risk of return to use.
- Behavioral health counseling is highly recommended (and often necessary) along with all forms of MAT to achieve and maintain sobriety and recovery. Individuals struggling with substance use and/or alcohol use are often self-treating psychiatric symptoms (such as depression, anxiety, or trauma) and/or coping with severe life stressors.
- Buprenorphine therapy is available to Tribally Enrolled Native Americans and Ho-Chunk Nation employees.
- Naltrexone therapy is available to Tribally enrolled Native Americans, Ho-Chunk Nation employees, and the general public (with WI Medicaid insurance coverage).
- Naloxone (Narcan®) is a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication. Naloxone is available through the Ho-Chunk Nation Pharmacies or as part of MAT therapy.
Stimulant Use (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, “Ecstasy”)
Opioid use disorder is often accompanied by, or even replaced by, the use of stimulants such as methamphetamine or cocaine. Although there are no FDA approved medications to treat stimulant use disorder, there is evidence-based research that suggests that naltrexone, along with other supportive medications, is effective in reducing stimulant use and even achieving abstinence (avoiding substance use). Behavioral health interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management, have been proven effective for treating stimulant use disorder. The combination of MAT and Behavioral Health counseling is important in all alcohol and substance use disorders.
Harm Reduction:
For individuals that are in an active opioid dependence cycle and not ready to receive MAT and/or Behavioral Health Services for abstinence, harm reduction services are available through the Ho-Chunk Nation Pharmacies. Harm reduction services include Naloxone (Narcan®) dispensing, exchanging used syringes for unused syringes, condom distribution, and informational materials. Ho-Chunk Nation harm reduction program is called “SafeLink”, signifying “Safe” needle exchange and “Link” to services. Harm reduction is NOT promoting “drug use” as is commonly misunderstood and is stigmatizing. The harm reduction approach is a way to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (including Hepatitis C and HIV), reduce used needles being disposed in the community, promoting and providing individuals with resources to assist with opioid abstinence when they are ready, and most importantly reducing opioid overdose death.
How to get started:
If you are interested in learning more please schedule an appointment with either Ho-Chunk Nation Health Care Clinics.
