ACCESS Chat:  Dr. Daneen Woodard on ACCESS’ Medication Assisted Recovery Program

At ACCESS, we believe substance use disorder is a disease. That’s why we spoke to ACCESS Regional Medical Director Dr. Daneen Woodard to learn more about the Medication Assisted Recovery (M.A.R.) program at ACCESS.

Can you begin with the basics and tell us what is M.A.R.?

Medication assisted recovery (M.A.R.) is a comprehensive approach to substance use disorder that includes buprenorphine-assisted or naltrexone – assisted treatment, behavioral and spiritual health services, and linkage to social services that address any barriers that impact successful treatment.

What do you mean by a “comprehensive approach”?

Opiate addiction is a disease that requires both medical treatment and emotional support. Through behavioral and spiritual health care, patients work through stressors such as loneliness, anger, loss, shame, stigma and setbacks to make meaning out of their experiences,  minimize triggers,  and live healthier each day. ACCESS’ services include in-person one-on-one sessions, group sessions. and telehealth appointments with our behavioral health consultants, community health specialists and our resident chaplain.

Why medication assistance?

Medication assistance reduces or removes withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings that improve a patient’s chances of leading a life of recovery. ACCESS’ M.A.R. program provides outpatient treatment, which allows a patient to continue their normal life with work and family while in treatment and recovery.

What should a patient expect when taking buprenorphine (Suboxone)?

When taken correctly, buprenorphine is a safe and effective way to support patients, including those who are pregnant, through recovery. Buprenorphine acts like opiates, heroin or other drugs to the brain but inhibits opiates and heroin drugs from acting.

How can someone seek help and join the M.A.R. program at ACCESS?

M.A.R. is available at key ACCESS locations. To find a location near you, check out our Substance Use Disorders page here.

 

 

 

As of November 13, 2022