Health: Mental Health

Ideal Option Releases 2022 Arkansas Patient Outcomes Report to Show Effectiveness of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Fentanyl, Heroin, Methamphetamine and Cocaine

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (PRWEB)

Ideal Option, a national leader in outpatient medication-assisted treatment for addiction to opioids and other substances, has released its 2022 Annual Patient Outcomes Report for patients living in Arkansas.

This report contains an aggregated view of patients’ geographic and demographic characteristics, their stage and duration of care, adherence to medication and their substance use over time based on lab specimens collected during 2022 from more than 1,000 patients.

The data show the effectiveness of treating addiction with FDA-approved medications combined with regular lab testing to verify medication adherence, create accountability and ensure patient safety.

Among Arkansas patients who remained in treatment from initiation to the maintenance stage of care during 2022, the report shows:

  • 87% less total opioid use

  • 94% less fentanyl use

  • 96% less heroin use

  • 77% less methamphetamine use

  • 90% less cocaine use

The report also reveals synthetic drug use continuing to rise among enrolling patients in 2022, particularly fentanyl. Fentanyl is regularly mixed with other illicit drugs to make them more addictive, often without the user knowing.

“Polysubstance use disorder is now the most common diagnosis at Ideal Option,” said Tim Kilgallon, CEO at Ideal Option. “In 2022, over half of all Arkansas patients tested positive for two or more substances at enrollment, and 24% tested positive for three or more substances.”

The data corroborate state reports of the increasingly prevalent role that fentanyl plays in the substance use epidemic. According to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, of the 496 drug overdose deaths in 2021, 58.6% involved fentanyl. The data reflects a 140% increase in overall overdose deaths and a 3,425% increase in drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl compared to 2016.

In addition, according to a statement given by former Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane early last year, “Since 2014, the number of methamphetamine overdose deaths has quadrupled. Because of the rise of fentanyl, co-occurring opioid and methamphetamine use has doubled from 2011 to 2017.”

Ideal Option data show that standard treatment for opioid use disorder dramatically reduces the use of methamphetamine in patients who test positive for both.

View the full Ideal Option 2022 Annual Patient Outcomes Report for Arkansas here: https://www.idealoption.com/patient-outcomes..

Ideal Option has helped more than 65,000 patients through a network of nearly 90 outpatient clinics across 11 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon and Washington.

With no waitlists and most forms of insurance accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid, patients can typically get started on treatment for fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, alcohol, or other substances within 1-3 business days.

Patients can make an appointment by calling 1.877.522.1275 or visiting http://www.idealoption.com.

About Ideal Option 

Headquartered in Kennewick, Washington, Ideal Option was founded in 2012 and has since helped more than 65,000 patients through a network of nearly 90 office-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) clinics across 11 states. With a mission to serve under-served communities, Ideal Option accepts most forms of insurance including Medicaid and Medicare. Financial assistance and payment plans are also available. 

Ideal Option’s team of medical providers carry certifications in Addiction and Emergency Medicine, Internal, and Family Medicine, among other specialties. The company also employs social workers, caseworkers, counselors, and mental health practitioners. This holistic approach helps drive positive outcomes, including family stability, stable housing, improved overall health, and reduced rates of recidivism. 

In all the communities it serves, Ideal Option collaborates with existing stakeholders and providers to improve the continuum of care. This approach includes partnerships with emergency rooms and county jail systems, where individuals with substance use disorder often appear, as well as collaborating with numerous support agencies and municipal programs addressing social needs such as housing, mental health, and nutrition support.

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