Last week, Dr. Price commented on the use of medication-assisted treatment for addiction, stating the treatment method essentially “substitut[es] one opioid for another,” according to a Charleston Gazette-Mail report.
However, addiction experts point to “a substantial body of research” that recognizes methadone and buprenorphine, two drugs commonly used to treat opioid addiction and cited by Dr. Price, have been used as the standard of care for addiction treatment for years and have reportedly helped drug users stop misusing prescription or illicit opioids, according to the report.
Nearly 700 researchers and practioners sent a letter to Dr. Price Monday urging him to “set the record straight” regarding his comments to the Gazette-Mail, according to the report.
Experts pointed to the HHS department’s website, which includes a link to more information about medication-assisted treatment and the misconception that the treatment involves the substitution of one drug for another. Officials said their main concern is that Dr. Price’s comments perpetuate that misconception.
An HHS spokesperson told NPR in an email that Dr. Price’s remarks to the Gazette-Mail did not signal a shift in the department’s policies in treating opioid addiction. The statement read: “One of the five pillars of the [S]ecretary’s strategy to combat the opioid epidemic is expanding access to treatment and recovery services, including medication-assisted treatment.”
More articles on opioids:
New York county sues 4 drugmakers for painkiller marketing practices
Former surgeon general rebukes Price for remarks on addiction treatment
Hepatitis C infections skyrocket; CDC report blames opioid epidemic
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
