Suboxone in Hospitals: Bridging the Gap in Opioid Addiction Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder is a basic medical treatment for a chronic medical condition.
Imagine going to a hospital for help with opioid addiction and being turned away. That's the reality for many, and it's a problem Dr. Mark Leeds is passionate about fixing. In this episode, Dr. Leeds dives into why hospitals should be equipped to offer suboxone therapy, a proven treatment for opioid addiction. He draws a compelling parallel between opioid addiction and chronic conditions like diabetes, arguing that both require consistent medical care and follow-up.
Why, then, do hospitals get to choose which conditions they will treat? Dr. Leeds calls for a legislative push, similar to the Parity Act, to ensure hospitals provide this essential service. While the current landscape has its shortcomings, there are glimmers of hope. Some ER doctors are now trained in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and certain hospitals are stepping up to offer free or low-cost MAT services to underserved communities. Dr.
Leeds envisions a future where treating addiction is a standard part of hospital care, not an optional extra. This episode isn't just informative; it's a rallying cry for change. Whether you're personally affected by opioid addiction or interested in healthcare reform, this conversation offers valuable insights and a call-to-action that's hard to ignore.