Recovery Enhancement for Addiction Treatment Act

As 2015 comes to a close, lawmakers across the country are already planning how they will deal with the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic that continues to take people's lives every day. New England has quickly become the epicenter of the heroin scourge in America, which has led many politicians to call for greater access to evidence based addiction treatments. Governors throughout the region are calling for Congressional leaders to amend federal law, allowing for medication assisted treatment (MAT) to be more widely available, The Bulletin reports.

The Drug Abuse Treatment Act of 2000 prohibits nurse practitioners from prescribing medications, such as Suboxone (buprenorphine), a drug which helps opioid addicts detox and prevent relapse.

The Recovery Enhancement for Addiction Treatment Act would give nurse practitioners and physician assistants the ability to treat up to 100 patients per year with buprenorphine. Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, with the support of local health and addiction professionals, drafted the letter which called for the changes, according to the article.

The letter was signed by:

• Gov. Peter Shumlin of Vermont
• Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts
• Gov. Paul LePage of Maine
• Gov. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire
• Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island

“Nationally, 53 percent of primary care physicians work with nurse practitioners or physician assistants. By ignoring this important and successful partnership in the treatment of addiction, we significantly limit access to MAT,” Malloy states in the letter. “Building on this strong partnership between physician and nonphysician providers is vital in expanding access to effective treatment. The need has never been greater, as the number of people seeking treatment is continuing to grow.” 

If you are struggling with opioid addiction, it is paramount that you seek help, with everyday of continued use there is a greater likelihood of an overdose. Recovery is possible with hard work and dedication, and the assistance of professionals trained to teach you how to live a life free from all mind altering substances. If your New Year’s resolution is to break the cycle of addiction, at Hope by The Sea we can help you make that goal become a reality.