Dallas, TX
While there is still much work to be done in combating America’s opioid epidemic, it is important to recognize where progress has been made. A recent report by the IQVIA INSTITUTE shows that the prescribing of opioids for pain management declined by nearly 8% in 2017. In fact, opioid prescriptions have been declining since they peaked in 2011. Additionally, those who are receiving opioid prescriptions are being prescribed lower dosages and for shorter periods of time than in previous years. Along with an increase in the general awareness of the risk for opioid misuse, the report points out that 24 states have set strict limits on the length and dosage of new opioid prescriptions. It appears that messaging and new guidelines related to the risk of opioid dependence are having a real impact on the prescribing habits of doctors.
At the same time that new opioid prescriptions are declining, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) participation has seen a significant increase. MAT includes the administration of FDA approved medications along with support services, such as counseling, for a comprehensive approach to treatment. This form of treatment is considered the gold standard of care for opioid use disorder. Since the start of 2016, new prescriptions for the purpose of MAT have nearly doubled. IQVIA’s report credits the rise in new MAT stats, in part, to increased funding for MAT programs.
These trends are certainly encouraging. However, plenty of challenges remain before the tide is likely to turn in our country’s struggle with opioid addiction. The prevalence of opioid prescriptions is still extremely high when compared to historical levels or with other countries. Moreover, despite a recent spike in MAT participation, the vast majority of individuals struggling with opioid addiction are still not receiving the comprehensive care they need.
View the original IQVIA report here: https://www.iqvia.com/institute/reports/medicine-use-and-spending-in-the-us-review-of-2017-outlook-to-2022
Media Contact:
Nancy Buttyan
Nancy.Buttyan@bhgrecovery.com
214-918-1811
About BHG
Behavioral Health Group (BHG) is a fast-growing healthcare company creating a new class of recovery center for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). BHG specializes in medication-assisted recovery (MAR) combined with addiction counseling delivered through the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited outpatient treatment and recovery centers in the U.S. Founded in 2006 and led by an experienced executive team with deep experience in the healthcare and behavioral health industries, BHG believes that comprehensive, evidence-based, personalized treatment plans focused on real recovery restore lives, strengthen families, and rejuvenate the communities in which we serve. BHG capabilities include a full range of counseling and behavioral health therapies for individual, family, and group counseling, medication-assisted recovery, intensive outpatient programs, mental health services, case management, and community resource coordination services delivered in its treatment centers and through telehealth. BHG treatment centers provide access to all FDA-approved medications through in-center dosing or prescriptions programs. BHG accepts Medicare, Medicaid, most major commercial health plans, and works with state grants to support patients who choose to self-pay. With 117 locations in 24 states, BHG has more than 2,100 employees who serve more than 43,000 patients. To learn more, visit bhgrecovery.com.