By Casey Spartz, CRADC
Kansas City Outpatient Program Manager
DeLoris Robinson, LPN
Medication Treatment Services Care Coordinator
Heartland Center for Behavioral Change
Kansas City, like so many other cities has found that it is not immune to the opioid crisis. Heroin and opiate overdoses are increasing in Kansas City with alarming numbers being reported from local hospitals. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in hospitalizations and unemployment along with a disturbing number of overdoses and deaths. The opioid crisis has created a trickle-down effect of devastation.
Heartland Center for Behavioral Change (HCBC) is committed to change how individuals with opioid use disorder receive help for their addiction and their recovery. Programs that include individual counseling and group therapy can go a long way, but for some, additional treatment is vital to their recovery. HCBC offers MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) through its Medication Treatment Services (MTS) program. HCBC understands that addiction is a disease and for that reason, like other diseases, may need medication management.
Under the direction of medical professionals, individuals are prescribed medications to support their recovery. They also meet with the MTS Care Coordinator, where they receive ongoing education and continued reassurance that MAT can be beneficial to their recovery. Vivitrol, or Naltrexone, and Suboxone are medications that relieve individuals with opioid use disorder of their cravings and making it easier to focus on the behaviors behind their addiction.
Heartland Center for Behavioral Change has been offering MAT services for five years and in that time has seen a tremendous turnaround in consumer engagement and success. The convenience of immediate access to MAT from our onsite providers and telehealth services has made an undeniable impact on the number of consumers maintaining their sobriety and regaining a new outlook on life. The Medication Treatment Services program has been well-received by all, both consumer and staff alike.
For the consumers, MAT allows them to find balance and a sense of normalcy while providing a sense of security and stability in their everyday lives. It also helps with housing, employment, family relations and social interactions.
MAT supports consumers by engaging frequently with each individual and helping them successfully complete treatment. Consumers become re-engaged with society and most importantly, embrace the reality that they can have a healthy life of recovery.
Heartland Center for Behavioral Change takes pride in serving our community and being a positive contributor in fighting the opioid crisis.
