Opioid Overdose and Addiction Treatment: A Collaborative Model of Compassion, Patience, and Respect.

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to describe the creation and outcomes of a collaborative model and care facility for opioid overdose and addiction treatment based on compassion, patience, and respect: The Maryhaven Addiction Stabilization Center (MASC).ApproachMASC was created with the vision to serve clients who have recently overdosed on opioids. In this article, the research, planning, building, and implementation of an opioid treatment center composed of an admission and triage unit, inpatient withdrawal management unit, and inpatient residential unit are described. A multi‐agency and multi‐disciplinary approach were used to immediately engage patients and connect them to treatment for opioid addiction.FindingsImplementation of a collaborative model of care offers patients who overdose on opioids with immediate access to admission for treatment. This has resulted in significantly higher numbers of patients seeking and staying in treatment.ConclusionsThrough multi‐agency collaboration and a shared commitment to addressing the challenges of the opioid epidemic in innovative ways, more patients who are struggling with addiction have increased opportunities to engage in treatment and move towards recovery.Clinical RelevanceClinicians, first responders, and communities can employ MASC principles to guide their approaches to serve patients who have recently overdosed on opioids or who are in active addiction.