ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (PRWEB)
May 16, 2022

Ideal Option, a national leader in outpatient medication-assisted treatment for addiction to opioids, methamphetamine, alcohol and other substances, has released its 2021 Annual Patient Outcomes Report for patients living in New Mexico State.

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 regularly collected during 2021 from more than 350 patients.

The data support 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 New Mexico patients who remained in treatment from initiation to the maintenance stage of care during 2021, the report shows:

• 92% less total opioid use
• 96% less fentanyl use
• 95% less heroin use
• 88% less methamphetamine use
• 45% less benzodiazepine use

The report also reveals a significant escalation in synthetic drug use in 2021 among enrolling patients, particularly fentanyl. Fentanyl positive rates at enrollment were up by 104% displacing heroin positive rates which were down by 44% compared to 2020. In addition, 44% of patients tested positive for multiple substances at enrollment, most commonly methamphetamine and opioids. Although no FDA-approved medications exist for treating isolated stimulant use disorder, Ideal Option’s data reveals that buprenorphine is highly effective for reducing methamphetamine use among polysubstance users.

“Over the 2020-21 period, positive rates for fentanyl eclipsed the use of all other types of opioids in the enrolling population.” said Tim Kilgallon, CEO at Ideal Option. “Recognizing this, Ideal Option implemented new clinical protocols and programs to better support patients transitioning from fentanyl to buprenorphine and maintained a regular cadence of lab testing to ensure patient safety and adherence to prescribed medications.”

This data corroborates state reports of the prevalent role that fentanyl and methamphetamine now play in the substance use epidemic. Street drugs of all types increasingly contain fentanyl, often masquerading as prescription tablets and capsules.

“Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death in New Mexicans ages 18-35,” said New Mexico Representative Tara Lujan. According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, there were 569 overdose deaths due to synthetic opioids reported in New Mexico State during the 12-month period ending in November 2021, a 92% increase from the 297 deaths reported during the same period the year before.

View the full Ideal Option 2021 Annual Patient Outcomes Report for New Mexico State here: [https://www.idealoption.com/patient-outcomes.

Ideal Option has helped more than 50,000 patients through a network of 76 outpatient clinics across 10 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, 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 50,000 patients through a network of 76 office-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) clinics across 10 states. With a mission to serve under-served communities, Ideal Option accepts all 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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