What is this strategy?
Support evidence-based addiction treatment consistent with the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s national practice guidelines for the treatment of opioid use disorder through Opioid Treatment Programs, qualified providers of Office-Based Opioid Treatment, Federally Qualified Health Centers, treatment offered in conjunction with justice system programs, or other community-based programs offering evidence-based addiction treatment. This may include partial or full capital expenditures for facilities that offer evidence-based treatment for OUD. This includes Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with any medication approved for this purpose by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Why evidence-based addiction treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a highly effective clinical treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). The use of FDA-approved medications for OUD have been shown to have multiple benefits including reducing cravings/withdrawal symptoms, overdose deaths, and the transmission of communicable diseases, while improving an individual’s quality of life. MAT and other evidence-based treatments, when provided in a supportive, non-coercive, and non-judgmental manner, empower people who use drugs and assist them in reducing the harms of their use of drugs.
Featured Resources
Complete List of Resources
The following resources have been compiled by the NC Department of Health and Human Services to help local governments better understand this strategy.
The resources below are organized by level.
Jump to: Introductory Resources | Intermediate Resources | Advanced Resources
Introductory Resources
NC Association of County Commissioners Webinar
Two-part webinar that provides an introduction to medication-assisted treatment (MAT)/medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and the role of local public health in implementing MAT/MOUD
Evidence-Based Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
A 4-page overview of evidence-based treatment options, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone (from APA)
Information about Opioids for Providers
Prevention, treatment and recovery information for providers
An initative that provides resources, support, and facts about finding treatment in North Carolina
Introduction to Medication Assisted Treatment
Learn how medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is used to treat substance use disorders as well as sustain recovery and prevent overdose
(from SAMHSA)
Find a state-licensed treatment facility near you
“Syringe Distribution Programs Can Improve Public Health During the Opioid Overdose Crisis”
Issue brief from Pew Charitable Trusts that explains how syringe distribution programs can reduce overdose rates and increase use of treatment
Central Registry of NC Opioid Treatment Programs
An interactive map that displays all clinics that are part of the central registry of opioid treatment programs
NC Treatment and Recovery Support Resources
Directory of treatment and recovery support coordinating organizations by county
NACo Strategy Brief: Increasing Access to Evidence-based Treatment
A short introduction to evidence-based treatment and ways to increase treatment access from the National Association of Counties
Intermediate Resources
MAT Training for NC Residency Programs
Training components and resources for healthcare providers to expand access to evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder (from MAHEC)
Guidance for Prescribing Buprenorphine
Brief guidance for providers on prescribing buprenorphine products in both outpatient and inpatient settings
National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
Guideline intended to inform and empower individuals who are interested in implementing evidence-based treatment practices
Introduction to Harm Reduction Video Series
A 4-part video series that demonstrates practical strategies to support the health of people who use drugs
Linking People with Opioid Use Disorder to Medication Treatment
A technical package from the CDC that covers best practices, policies, and programs
Recommendations for Clinics Implementing a Low Barrier Approach to Providing MOUD
A document that includes recommendations for implementation of MOUD at community health centers and primary care clinics
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: NACo Strategy Brief
A short document that includes answers to the most commonly asked questions about Medication-Assisted Treatment
Treatment and Recovery for Pregnant and Parenting People: NACo Strategy Brief
A strategy brief by NACo which contains information about effective OUD treatment for pregnant and parenting people and other best practices
Post X-Waiver Substance Use Disorder Training Suite
7-module continuing education (CE) self-paced training suite that provides information about the X-Waiver
NACo Strategy Brief: Treatment for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
A short introduction to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and effective treatments from the National Association of Counties
Linking People with Opioid Use Disorder to Medication Treatment
A CDC resource that offers strategies to support linkage to care based on the best available evidence
Advanced Resources
Guidance for Office-Based Opioid Treatment
A comprehensive document that includes guidance for clinics and health departments interested in implementing office-based opioid treatment
Leading-Edge Actions and Strategies to Remove Barriers to Evidence-based Patient Care
A toolkit from the American Medical Association (AMA) which provides actionable resources that states can use to take specific policy actions
