My City January 2022

M €‚ƒ„ †„‡ O‰„ U‹ D‹„‡ ‡ CŽ…€ RYAN J. REECE, MD, FACEP PHOTO BY DOUG PIKE, HURLEY MEDICAL CENTER

ADVERTORIAL

Hurley now oers a Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) clinic to treat those who need help with opioid use disorder. Services are available to patients who are seen in Hurley’s ED who are seeking treatment for their opioid use disorder (OUD), self-identify as having a problem with OUD, withdrawing from opioids or with other complications

Is addiction a medical disease? Instead of understanding addiction as only a moral or spiritual failing, many medical professionals have begun to view opioid use disorder as a medical disease. e disease of addiction can be caused by repeated exposure to a drug, coupled with genetic or environmental risk factors, leading to physical changes in the brain’s opioid receptors. In this view, addiction can be treated and managed with medication, much like other chronic medical conditions. Medication has been shown to provide an evidence-based, safe, controlled level of treatment to overcome the use of a problem opioid. Hurley’s program oers a safe, comfortable environment for patients who suer from OUD. Dr. Reece notes, “ e MOUD program uses a very collaborative approach. e ED social workers, providers and nurses all play a huge role in helping this population receive much needed treatment. It provides another tool to help this population.” ®

RYAN J. REECE, MD, FACEP

of their disease or who may have experienced a nonfatal overdose. e MOUD clinic provides telemedicine care and is led by Dr. Ryan J. Reece. Dr. Reece attended Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and completed his residency at Michigan State University/Sparrow Health System in emergency medicine. He is board-certiˆed in Emergency Medicine and is working toward his certiˆcation in Addiction Medicine. Why the emergency department? e ED is often the primary source of medical care for individuals with OUD. ED visits oer an opportunity to access life-saving treatment. Identifying individuals with untreated OUD enables providers to motivate individuals to accept treatment, eectively treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, initiate evidence- based treatment, refer individuals to ongoing care and to reduce harm by oering overdose education and dispensing naloxone kits. Treatment • Consultation with an ED social worker • Telemedicine appointments • Medication • Referral to New Paths, Inc. a local substance use disorder treatment program Benefits of the Clinic • Facilitates safer withdrawal by relieving symptoms and controlling cravings

Questions? Want to schedule an appointment? Call: 810.262.6516

• Reduces the risk of death due to overdose • Increases retention in treatment with safer, controlled medications • Works to decrease illegal drug use and, with it, the potential dangers