Our team knows that substance misuse problems especially affect ski communities - In TriCounty Health's 2021 Community Health survey for San Miguel County 37.9% of respondents reported experiencing loneliness or isolation, 31% reported frequent anxiety and 25% reported feeling symptoms of depression for several days each year. These are all factors that contribute to substance abuse.  

TMC is committed to helping the members of our community affected by substance misuse or abuse and is excited to announce the launch of a medically assisted treatment (MAT) program, specifically designed to help patients with recovery from opioid abuse. In this program patients can initiate treatment with Suboxone, a medication which helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids. Suboxone has been shown to reduce the mortality of opioid use disorder by 50%. We work with each patient to provide appropriate dosage and supervision through the initial stages of discontinuing use, and then set up a regular schedule of visits in both primary care and with our behavioral health team to address both substance abuse and underlying emotional and psychological factors. If you are currently receiving MAT treatment through another provider, we can also continue your care at TMC, ensuring you can get the care you need close to home. 

Our program has been developed with generous grant funding from the Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council and the Katz Amsterdam Foundation which allows us to offer services either through insurance or at no charge for uninsured patients who want to end their dependence on opioids. The program was developed in partnership with the Implementation Support for Medication Opioid Use Disorder team at UC Anschutz Medical Center and offers best in class outpatient care for those experiencing substance use disorders. 

We know that opioid use is not the only substance use concern facing our community. At your annual exam you may notice a new survey which asks about your relationship to various substances, along with our longstanding questions around alcohol use. It is important that if you have concerns, even outside of these screening questions, that you feel comfortable discussing them with your provider. We are here to listen without judgement, help you understand what treatment options are available, and provide support as you evaluate or work to change your relationship to drugs and alcohol. Our behavioral health team is always happy to meet to discuss particular concerns or related issues such as depression and anxiety and help you find healthier coping mechanisms for stressors in your life. 

If you or someone you love is interested in medically assisted treatment for opioid abuse, or if you would like our support in changing your relationship to drugs or alcohol, please give us a call today.