By Jessica Patriquin, MSN, PMHNP-BC
On Aug. 31, communities around the world recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those lost to overdose and drawing attention to the importance of prevention. This year marks 25 years since the day was first observed in 2001, a reminder of the ongoing work to reduce overdose deaths, break down stigma and connect people with support.
For many people, the impact of substance use goes beyond their health. It also affects those around them, including family, co-workers and their communities. And when we see someone struggling, it is not always easy to know what to say or where to turn.
That is why prevention often starts with something simple: paying attention, talking openly and making sure people know that help is available.
Substance use disorder is a health condition, but shame and fear can keep people from asking for support. Families may also avoid talking about it because they are unsure what to say or worry about making things worse.
We do not need to have all the answers to show someone we care. It can mean listening without judgment, checking in again later or helping someone find a healthcare provider when they are ready. Those small moments matter.
Help can be harder to reach in Northern Arizona
For people living throughout Coconino County, finding the right support can come with additional challenges.
Many Northern Arizona communities are spread out, meaning some residents may live far from a healthcare provider or treatment program. Transportation can be difficult, and work, family responsibilities and cost can make it even harder to travel for regular appointments.
When someone decides they are ready for treatment, getting support should not feel like another mountain they have to climb.
Making services easier to access and closer to home through local clinics and virtual appointments can help remove barriers to care.
Different paths to recovery
Recovery from a substance use disorder is possible, and the path forward can look different for everyone. Treatment should be centered on each person’s unique needs, strengths and goals, and offer resources that give them the best opportunity to heal and move forward.
One option is medication-assisted treatment, or MAT.
MAT uses medications together with counseling and behavioral health support to treat substance use disorders. For people struggling with opioid use, medication can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms so they can focus on their health, relationships and recovery.
A common misconception about MAT is that it simply replaces one substance with another. However, medications used in MAT are carefully prescribed and monitored to support stability and overall well-being. Rather than replacing one substance with another, MAT is an evidence-based treatment that can be an important part of a person’s long-term progress.
MAT is not the only path to recovery. Other approaches may include individual or group therapy, peer support, recovery programs, alternative medications that help manage symptoms and other behavioral health services. What works best will vary from person to person, and treatment can evolve as their needs and goals change.
Resources in Flagstaff
MAT and other treatment options are available locally, and knowing there are different paths can make it easier to seek help. That is especially important in Northern Arizona, where some people may assume specialized support is out of reach.
One local resource is Denova Collaborative Health’s Flagstaff clinic, which offers addiction treatment, including MAT services, behavioral health and primary care. Virtual options may also help some patients access treatment without the need to travel.
That access is an important part of what International Overdose Awareness Day is about: not only remembering those we have lost, but making sure people who are still struggling know where they can turn for help.
Supporting someone can look a little different for each of us. It might mean learning more about substance use, checking on a loved one who seems to be struggling or helping someone find the right path to recovery. Sometimes, it is simply reminding them that asking for help is a sign of strength and that support is available.
Strong communities take care of one another. The more comfortable we become talking about substance use and treatment, the easier it becomes for people to take that first step.
— Jessica Patriquin, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and executive vice president of psychiatric service operations at Denova Collaborative Health. She helps connect patients across Arizona with specialty addiction treatment, including MAT services.