DEA Says Medication-Assisted Treatment Is Safe, Expands Access

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced plans to expand access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in the United States, making it clear that they believe it to be a safe and indispensable tool for people suffering from Substance Use Disorder.

In a press release last Wednesday, the agency responsible for policing illegal drugs and making sure that controlled substances are prescribed legally explained its stance on MAT.

Expanding Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment

The DEA has worked with federal partners to create initiatives for communities battling addiction. Starting this month, practicing doctors and nurse practitioners will have the ability to request an exception that will let them help people get started with MAT in the ER or clinics themselves. The new rules allow them to prescribe a three-day supply of life-altering drugs, including buprenorphine and methadone, to patients who suffer from Opioid Use Disorder.

In partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, the DEA has also begun to work with pharmacists to educate them about the critical place that MAT plays in treatment and recovery. As a result, pharmacists in many states are certified to provide services such as flu shots and first-aid care and advice.

“At this moment, when the United States is suffering tens of thousands of opioid-related overdose deaths every year, the DEA’s top priority is doing everything in our power to save lives,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram.

Expanding MAT To More People

There are currently over 85,000 qualifying practitioners in the DEA registration system that tracks providers with a waiver to provide MAT to their patients. The DEA has allowed providers to give their clients access to MAT during the pandemic while seeing them via telemedicine. It’s not clear how much longer this will be a policy, but it’s clear that it has made a vital difference in making care for people with opioid use disorder more accessible overall.

Getting Help With MAT for Opioid Use Disorder

Are you or somebody in your family living with opioid use disorder? You’re not alone. People from all walks of life have been able to quit using opioids with MAT and start the journey to recovery. Help is available! Call us at 910-295-7246 to learn more about getting help.