Delay in accessing opioid addiction treatment in New Hampshire could spell the difference between life and death.
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New Hampshire has taken significant strides in combating its opioid crisis by implementing various treatment programs and resources. However, challenges persist in ensuring that these services are utilised effectively, as evidenced by the state's relatively low treatment admission rates.
One of the most prominent initiatives is The Doorway Program, a centralised hub-and-spoke model that offers screening, evaluation, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), prevention efforts such as Naloxone distribution, peer recovery support, and long-term recovery services. With nine locations statewide, help is generally available within an hour, and 24/7 access via phone (211) connects individuals to services [1]. This program is federally funded through the State Opioid Response grant and supported by the NH Department of Health and Human Services.
In addition to The Doorway Program, numerous treatment centres provide a range of addiction programs, including inpatient, outpatient, and day or half-day treatment options tailored to different needs and schedules. These facilities offer comprehensive treatments for heroin, opioid, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other substance abuse disorders, often integrating support for co-occurring mental health issues (dual diagnosis) [3]. Family support services are also integral to many programs, aiming to strengthen recovery environments.
Financially, treatment costs vary widely, with most centres accepting private insurance (Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield among the most common), Medicaid, Medicare, and offering sliding scale or low-cost payment options to improve affordability [2].
Despite these resources, New Hampshire ranked 47th nationwide in drug rehab admissions in 2023, with only 62 admissions per 100,000 population, significantly below the national average of 621 per 100,000. This indicates a relative underutilization or some barriers to accessing treatment on a population level [2].
Emergency department visits related to opioids in New Hampshire increased substantially between 2011 and 2015, including an 827% rise in heroin-specific encounters, highlighting the severity of the opioid crisis and ongoing high need for treatment access [4].
The low treatment admission rate and the ongoing opioid crisis underscore the need for continued efforts to remove barriers to treatment and ensure that those struggling with addiction can access the help they need. Improving access to MAT, expanding resources for detoxification, and addressing the shortage of doctors who can prescribe medications to help people detox at home are critical steps in this process.
References:
[1] The Doorway Program, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bdas/documents/doorway-program.pdf
[2] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, https://www.samhsa.gov/data/
[3] New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bdas/index.htm
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html
Science plays a crucial role in addressing and understanding mental health and chronic diseases, including substance abuse disorders like opioid addiction. In the context of health and wellness, (mental health and physical fitness are together referred to as) holistic approaches that encompass nutrition, fitness, and exercise can significantly contribute to recovery and overall well-being for those dealing with mental health issues or chronic diseases. Consequently, it's essential to integrate these elements in preventive measures, treatment programs, and aftercare for addiction recovery.
