Medication-Assisted Therapies: Providing a "Whole-Patient" Approach to Treatment

Description:

The use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a "whole-patient" approach to treatment, has proven successful in helping individuals break their addictions to drugs and alcohol. As part of a comprehensive treatment program, medication –assisted therapies have been shown to increase retention in treatment, decrease criminal activities, decrease homelessness and increase employment. This program will look at how methadone, buprenorphine, and other medication-assisted therapies continue to help individuals, families and communities overcome the ravages of alcohol and drug addiction.

Host:
Ivette Torres, Associate Director for Consumer Affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).