the bill to include measures to expand addiction treatment access for patients in rural areas who are either on wait lists or have to travel across the state for treatment.
A report from the Iowa Consortium for Substance Abuse Research and Evaluation found that from 2010-2015, while the number of people seeking addiction treatment increased, the overall increase was marked by a significant number of patients who were readmitted into programs. In addition, 75 percent of persons surveyed admitted to misusing opioids before they turned 18.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, only four out of 18 addiction treatment clinics in Des Moines offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT). One of these clinics is United Community Services Healthcare. Clinical director Missy Howard stated that although legislative measures can help expand treatment options, there’s still a stigma toward MAT and the patients who seek it out.
Members of the public believe that MAT and its patients have a bad reputation, she said. She added that it is challenging to change their opinions by educating them on the benefits of MAT.
Isenhart believes that the bill will effectively address the opioid crisis in the state.
