Michael Adamowicz is the director of medication-assisted treatment services at Thundermist Health Center. He has 33 years of experience in treating patients with substance use disorder. He joined Thundermist last year after eight years in private practice. He’s a licensed independent clinical social worker.
In February, Thundermist began equipping all 520 members of its staff with naloxone and training in administering the drug during work and in the community, making the health center the first in the state to commit to training its entire staff to use the lifesaving medication, which is one of the pillars of the state’s response to the opioid epidemic, along with medication-assisted treatment. Providence Business News asked Adamowicz how his program fits in with statewide efforts to curb opioid overdoses and deaths.
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PBN: What’s the advantage of medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder?
ADAMOWICZ: If you reflect on your life, you will hopefully find that relationships with other people are vital. In addiction, there is a compulsive, overwhelming relationship with a thing: your drug of choice. Medications, notably buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone, help to remove the compulsive element. A person can then meaningfully engage in therapy and other treatments. These treatments help re-establish the person-to-person connection. Therapy and allied treatments assist people to re-engage in a meaningful life where they are rewarded for successful relationships and other accomplishments.
PBN: Why did Thundermist Health Center begin offering this service?
ADAMOWICZ: In response to the opioid epidemic and the deaths of our patients, individual physicians at Thundermist began offering office-based medication-assisted treatment five or six years ago. Passage of the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act, which was co-authored by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse [D-R.I.], provided an opportunity to expand our services. The law allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to obtain a federal waiver to prescribe medication to treat substance use disorder. We currently have 24 waivered providers who are actively providing care to patients with opioid use disorder. Today, Thundermist has 511 patients in medication-assisted treatment.
State leaders identify medication-assisted treatment as a key component in addressing the opioid crisis. In fact, Gov. Gina [M.] Raimondo set forth a plan to increase the use of MAT. Thundermist is answering the call of state leaders and remains a committed, integral partner in addressing the opioid crisis.
PBN: How does Thundermist’s team-based approach to MAT benefit patients?
ADAMOWICZ: Thundermist is targeting all aspects of a patient’s life. Our model is rooted in primary care and aims to improve the patient’s overall health. Prescribers provide empathetic care and medications aimed at eliminating urges, cravings and compulsive drug use. Social services staff help[s] patients with insurance, housing, employment, training and other resources to resume their lives.
Thundermist’s nurse care managers establish and maintain a close, supportive relationship with patients. The nurse care manager is there for support during the initial induction and throughout the patient’s recovery journey. The clinical social worker provides skilled therapy to assist the patient in dealing with the damage done by the addiction and the inevitable triggers to relapse, and finally to aid them in a productive, sober life.
PBN: What are patients saying about the service?
ADAMOWICZ: Patients respond positively. They have gone from a hopeless dread about forever being addicted to an opioid to a sense of independence and competence.
PBN: How does this service work with Thundermist’s recent initiative to equip its employees to administer naloxone?
ADAMOWICZ: Thundermist Health Center is a lead contributor to efforts to address our state’s overdose crises. Our leaders collaborate closely with state agencies and other providers to align services and outreach with statewide plans and goals.
This is an epidemic. It cuts across all levels of age and society. Thundermist recognizes our responsibility to make an impact – both in the exam room and in our community. We have responded by training all employees on how to save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose by administering naloxone. We are also providing naloxone to employees, at no cost, to use if they encounter a person experiencing an overdose. This program compliments our medication-assisted treatment services and is another example of our commitment to addressing the opioid crisis.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
