Linkage to Services
For patients interested in treatment, start on MOUD and link to recovery services
For those individuals who are interested in engaging in treatment and recovery, a comprehensive treatment plan should be developed using shared decision-making. Eliciting the patient’s goals and preferences is important to facilitate engagement.
This may include:
- Medication for SUD / OUD (e.g., buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone)
- Naloxone prescription
- SUD / OUD focused psychosocial interventions
- Addressing psychosocial functioning and recovery environment (housing, employment, supportive recovery environment)
- Managing medical and psychiatric co-occurring conditions
MOUD alone may not be enough to support the patient’s long term recovery. Linking to services and providers who offer psychosocial interventions and a positive recovery environment is important. Clinicians should be aware of local resources and when possible, provide a warm hand-off.
Navigating treatment options can be challenging
Social Workers with a focus on SUD / OUD can help with referrals and coordinating multidisciplinary care management. A referral to a Peer Recovery Specialist (also called peer recovery coaches, peer workers, or peer mentors) or Substance Use Navigator can provide the patient with support and encouragement. These are trained individuals with lived experience in recovery who can help the patient access services and build recovery capital.
For patients not interested in treatment, start by linking to harm reduction organizations
For those individuals who are not currently interested in seeking treatment, linking them to local harm reduction organizations and discussing how they can reduce their risks of opioid use related harms is critical. Prescribing naloxone, sharing information on safer consumption and drug testing, and educating on how to recognize and respond to an overdose are simple ways to demonstrate your commitment to your patient’s safety and autonomy. The National Harm Reduction Coalition has extensive resources that you can review with your patient.
Let your patients know they have access to naloxone
Patients do not need a prescription to access naloxone. They can also access naloxone through naloxone vending machines located throughout Michigan. It can reduce stigma to have a conversation with your patients about these options.
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SAMHSA: FindTreatment.Gov
Locate treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance abuse/addiction and/or mental health problems.
Linkages to services
MI Bridges
Connect patients to state and local resources for healthcare coverage, food assistance, child development & care, cash assistance, and state emergency relief.
Linkages to services
Licensed Provider Map
Use this interactive map to locate licensed providers in foster care, child care, health care, and substance use disorder care in the state of Michigan.
Linkages to services