Opioid Epidemic in Baltimore- Hopeless Patients, Hopeful Doctors
It seems that the whole nation has been feeling the negative impacts associated with the opioid epidemic in Baltimore. Cities across the nation continue to struggle to find a solution to ending or, at the very least slowing down the opiate epidemic and more specifically, opioid overdose deaths. The city of Baltimore has been hit especially hard. According to the Baltimore City Health Department, 303 people died of a drug and alcohol overdoses in 2014. Of those who died of overdoses in 2014, 192 died because of heroin intoxication. In 2017, the number of heroin related deaths soared to 586. For those addicted to opiates, evidence shows that medication-assisted treatment, more specifically, Suboxone can help.
“It’s a problem everywhere,” said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City health commissioner. “But we have to recognize here in Baltimore people have been addicted to heroin and opioids for decades. Individuals have not had access to treatment for many years, and many of these individuals are using drugs when we now have fentanyl.” (The Baltimore Sun, October 2017).
Baltimore and The Opioid Epidemic – The Numbers Tell the Story
Although the numbers are dauting and the number of people addicted to opiates (heroin) continue to increase, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. A quick search for treatment providers (clinics and doctors) who prescribe and dispense Suboxone in Baltimore City revealed at least 110 sites (Suboxone.com).
SUBOXONE Film is a prescription medicine that contains the active ingredients buprenorphine and naloxone. It is used to treat adults who are dependent on (addicted to) opioids (either prescription or illegal). This medication is very helpful for those struggling with an opioid use disorder because it relieves the symptoms of withdrawals and helps prevent relapse.
If you’re reading this information, chances are you and or someone you love is probably thinking about finding a suboxone doctor. Before committing to a suboxone clinic for opiate treatment, it’s important you know and understand what the drug is and how it works. You shouldn’t have unrealistic expectations, because while you will be using medication to become clean, there is still hard work and effort which is required from you.
There is great potential for these treatment providers to be treating tens of thousands of people struggling with an opioid use disorder. This is also an opportunity to slow down opioid overdose deaths as well as the opioid epidemic. Treatment providers and medical professionals who are able to treat and prescribe Suboxone to those suffering from an opioid use disorder must answer the call. The opioid epidemic is affecting people despite color, race, or socioeconomic status. Access to this form of medication assisted treatment must be available to anyone in need. There is a growing number of doctors in Baltimore that accept Medicaid and prescribe Suboxone to alleviate painful withdrawal symptoms caused by illegal heroin or legal prescription painkillers. The hope is that addiction treatment as well as medication assisted treatment will become accessible to more individuals seeking help thus slowing down the opioid epidemic.
