Pew Recommendations for Delaware in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder

The Pew Charitable Trust recommends more resources for Medically Assisted Treatment to the

Delaware government, according to a news update from The Beacon. The Pew Trust started with the Delaware program in July of 2018, conducting a comprehensive needs assessment including interviewing stakeholders.

The article from the Milford Beacon states:

“Delaware has made great strides in addressing the opioid crisis, a complicated public health problem that demands multifaceted solutions,” said Beth Connolly, director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ substance use prevention and treatment initiative. “It’s a problem that also requires commitment and collaboration from state leaders to get more Delawareans the evidence-based treatment they need. We are pleased to help further this crucial work in partnership with the Behavioral Health Consortium, Lt. Gov. Hall-Long and the Delaware General Assembly.”

The Pew report states:

A conclusive body of research has demonstrated that MAT is the most effective way to treat this disorder. Based on the strength of the evidence and clear barriers to accessing MAT, Pew focuses its efforts on policy change that could expand access to all three U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications and behavioral health counseling. The exclusion of prevention, harm reduction, and recovery support interventions does not reflect their lack of importance. Rather, the focus on treatment access reflects the scope of the state’s invitation to Pew and the pathway that responds most directly to the pressing need to curb opioid overdose deaths. Stigma towards individuals with OUD is another important issue not directly addressed in this report. Many of the recommendations could help address stigma by improving the integration of OUD treatment with physical and mental health care; however, stigma is not the direct target of any single recommendation.

Find doctors who treat substance use disorder in Delaware through our directory.