The Practice
We Understand that Opioid Addiction is a Chronic Disease
We do not treat addiction as a moral failing. We treat it as a neurobiological chronic disease that can be managed.
We prescribe buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex).
We Offer Appointments that are Private, Convenient & Flexible
We conduct follow-up visits with a licensed physician for buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) treatment via tele-health video conferencing using your phone, tablet or computer.
We Make Online Counseling Support Available
We offer access to online counseling to support your buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) treatment. You can connect from your phone, tablet or laptop.
OUR APPROACH
MyStreetHealth and "Medication First"
- Patients receive medication as quickly as possible, prior to long assessments or treatment planning sessions.
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) medication management is delivered without arbitrary tapering or time limits.
- Psychosocial services are continually offered but not required as a condition of buprenorphine(Suboxone, Subutex) medication management.
- Buprenorphine(Suboxone,Subutex) is discontinued only if it is worsening the patient's condition.
"Medication First" is Not "Medication Only"
- Our "Medication First" approach provides an important stabilizing resource, FDA-approved and evidence-based Buprenorphine, without conditioning the receipt of medication on other service requirements.
- However, everyone is offered psychosocial support.
- Once stable on medication, one may choose to re-engage in normal life activities rather than invest hours per day or week in group therapy and education.
- "Medication First" is consistent with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) working definition of recovery which prioritizes this form of self-determination:
- Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
MyStreetHealth has "Do's and Don'ts"
- We DO NOT initiate a taper or discontinue medication in response to patient non-adherence (e.g., missing sessions).
- We DO NOT mandate participation in individual or group counseling as a requirement for continued medication management.
- We DO NOT set a time limit for treatment.
- We DO NOT encourage rapid medication taper protocols with the goal of transitioning to antagonist medications or no medications.
- We DO NOT discharge a patient for a positive drug test result.
- We DO individualize dose decisions based on individual patient factors, particularly craving intensity and environmental support.
- We DO increase client accountability measures (e.g., drug testing, frequency of medication or dosing visits) without discontinuing buprenorphine if adherence to treatment protocols are disrupted by several missed visits or positive urines.
- We DO clarify the rationale for recommending psychosocial supports.
*Adapted from MissouriOpioidSTR.org/treatment
