National Alliance of Medication Assisted Recovery Joycelyn Sue Woods, M.A., CMA

Stigma How It Harms Patients and Treatment National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 2 And How NAMA Recovery is Working to End It.

A Little History National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 3

What is NAMA Recovery? NAMA Recovery is an organization of methadone and buprenorphine patients, healthcare professionals, family, friends, and associates working together for greater public understanding and acceptance of Medication Assisted Ttreatment (MAT) (i.e. methadone and buprenorphine). Recognized as the organization that represents MAT patients. National Alliance for Medication Assisted Recovery 4

Started by Healthcare Professionals Some were Patients too National Alliance for Medication Assisted Recovery 5 Many were with Drs. Dole and Nyswander from the beginning and saw the alarming direction that methadone treatment had taken. Back then their was only 1 medication to treat opiate addiction and we were the National Alliance of Methadone Advocates or NAMA.

National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 6 The 5 Goals of NAMAR 1. Work to make treatment available on demand to every person who needs it; 2. Struggle to eliminate discrimination toward methadone patients; 3. Create a more positive image about methadone maintenance treatment; 4. Preserve patients' dignity and their rights; and 5. Empower methadone patients with a strong public voice.

Many of the positive changes in methadone treatment over the last 25 years were achieved, in part, because NAMAR existed to organize and galvanize support. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 7

What has NAMAR Accomplished Grown to about 15 domestic chapters and 20 international affiliates. MAT patients are consulted regarding policy issues. (sit on committees and helped draft regulations). Grievance Report that is handled by NAMAR. Certified MAT Advocate Training to give both patients and professionals the basics to be an advocate. Attend conferences representing patients. Act as a voice for patients in national and local issues. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 8

From the start NAMAR has received very minimal funding. Today NAMAR exists solely through the membership fees from patients and enlightened professionals. This also means that no one is paid a salary at NAMAR. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 9

What is the Number 1 Issue? National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 10

Stigma Misunderstandings Ignorance Prejudice National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 11

Many well meaning people thought that if you gave the science and the research that MAT worked that the stigma and prejudice would end. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 12 Belief in Science But it hasn’t.

People don’t believe it. Unless – of course: They hear it from patients. Why? They are the proof treatment works. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 13

Otherwise … well they believe the myths. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 14

National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 15 It’s criminalized and emotional. Why … there are several reasons

THE ENEMY IS STIGMA THAT PREVENTS EXPANSION OF TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT PROFESSIONALISM TREMENDOUS BARRIERS FOR PATIENTS National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 16

We have the Weapon? National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 17 Education & Organization Never Used Right It can’t be just the Professionals

WHY WILL THIS PLAN WORK WHEN ALL OTHERS HAVE FAILED? We have a secret weapon – patients. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 18 Enter MARS

A New Development in Medication Assisted Treatment Peer Recovery Support Services That Are Really Peer Facilitated REALLY! National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 19

 The MARS Project is located at Montefiore/Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  The southeast Bronx is one of the poorest areas of the country.  It’s population is 61% Hispanic and 26% African/American.  Destitution, drugs, and alcohol are everywhere. The MARS Project opened its doors in January  A less likely place to site a pilot a successful recovery project would be difficult to find. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 20

Services Offered National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 21 Education Methadone Advanced Addiction Recovery Groups MARS Spiritual Recovery Stigma and Advocacy The Book Club Health Training to teach family members about MAT, and Hispanic Recover Monthly Events Peer Leader (training) Peer Council

Working from the Top National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 22 Enter Stop Stigma Now

Stop Stigma Now was started by a group of retired MAT professionals that volunteered to take on the task to overcome the terrible stigma that is associated with methadone as a treatment for addiction. Joined forces with the patient support organization, NAMA Recovery. Together we are planning a national marketing and public relations campaign. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 23

Stop Stigma Now responds to negative articles in newspapers and magazines across the country. This includes mayors, police chiefs, legislators, court systems and medical reporters from New York to Omaha to California-to England and Australia. Developed a web presence including FaceBook and Twitter. At the point of developing projects to expand the organizations public presence. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 24

The Reality  MAT patients told to get off their medication by criminal justice agencies and child welfare organizations.  Laws passed that impact the welfare of patients.  Programs have to fight community opposition to open. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 25

WHAT CAN YOU DO? 1. Learn about methadone and buprenorphine. 2. Become an Advocate and make a commitment. 3. Never again stand by while others talk negatively about MAT; stop them and tell them the truth. 4. Join Stop Stigma Now. 5. Join NAMA Recovery. 6. And talk to patients, staff and everyone that MAT works. National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 26

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can change the world! National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 27

Thank You National Alliance of Methadone Advocates 28

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