Kansas City Organization Takes Lead on Opioid Crisis

Angela Pugh, Kansas City Recovery

Opioid abuse has reached crisis level in the United States and one Kansas City organization is taking the lead introducing new, innovative programs to help people recover. Kansas City Recovery, an addiction treatment organization, is stepping up to the plate and introducing new and innovative alternatives to keep people engaged longer as they transition into a recovery lifestyle.

“As an industry, we know the longer we can keep people involved in treatment, and after treatment, the better the outcomes,” said Angela Pugh, co-founder of Kansas City Recovery. “We are offering mobile and concierge-style programs to accommodate busy lifestyles so people can participate on a long-term basis.”

Kansas City Recovery combines evidence-based practices including outpatient groups, individual sessions, drug testing, sober living, and also utilizes peer-based services that show great promise in the world of addiction treatment.

“Our feeling is, if we can provide the necessary services in a way that is effective and efficient, people will stay involved longer and, in turn, improve their chances of achieving and maintaining long-term sobriety,” Pugh said.

Pugh’s assertions are backed by a 2017 study by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence that suggests the longer a person is engaged in a treatment process, the better the outcome for recovery after treatment.  The National Institute on Drug Abuse asserts ninety days as the “gold standard” for treatment.

“Aftercare is crucial once an individual has completed drug or alcohol treatment and is in recovery. There is a continuity of care that should be followed once initial treatment is completed. This usually involves a lower level of treatment such as outpatient care and a sober living environment. Our study shows that the absence of such treatment after 30 days significantly reduces the chances of the patient maintaining their sobriety,” stated lead researcher Akaka Mohammad, M.D.

SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, also encourages the use of peer support services, or services designed and delivered by people who have experienced a mental and/or substance use disorder and are in recovery.

These services are often referred to as peer-based recovery support services, one peer helping another, with titles like Recovery Coach or Recovery Support Specialist.

“Our Recovery Coaches can meet you at the coffee shop or at your office, evenings and weekends,” Pugh said. “We work with your schedule.”

KC Recovery operates a male sober living home, a transitional residence she says is the key to helping keep clients engaged in treatment and more likely to succeed. She also believes using tools such as telemedicine, mobile recovery support, and strong Recovery Coach models are important in breaking the cycle of addiction.

“As the opioid epidemic continues to monopolize the headlines and our neighborhoods, it’s important to have options for people seeking help,” Pugh said.  “And while insurance providers continue to cut the number of days they authorize for inpatient treatment, alternative programming and sober living homes become increasingly important for aftercare as professionals advocate long-term involvement.”

For more information visit KansasCityRecovery.com or call 913. 289.0893.