Advocates for Opioid Recovery

Advocates for Opioid Recovery

Advocates for Opioid Recovery (AOR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting policies and practices that support the recovery of individuals affected by opioid addiction. The organization focuses on increasing access to evidence-based treatments, reducing stigma, and advocating for policy changes that facilitate recovery.

History

Advocates for Opioid Recovery was founded in 2016 by a group of public health advocates, including former U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and former "drug czar" Van Jones. The organization was established in response to the growing opioid epidemic in the United States, which has resulted in significant public health challenges and a high number of overdose deaths.

Mission and Goals

The mission of Advocates for Opioid Recovery is to ensure that individuals suffering from opioid addiction have access to effective treatment options. The organization aims to:

• Promote the use of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) as a standard of care for opioid addiction.
• Reduce the stigma associated with addiction and recovery.
• Advocate for policy changes that improve access to treatment and recovery services.
• Educate the public and policymakers about the benefits of evidence-based treatment approaches.

Key Initiatives

AOR has launched several initiatives to achieve its goals:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

AOR strongly advocates for the use of MAT, which combines medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT is considered the gold standard for treating opioid use disorder and has been shown to reduce overdose deaths and support long-term recovery.

Public Awareness Campaigns

The organization conducts public awareness campaigns to educate the public about opioid addiction and the effectiveness of MAT. These campaigns aim to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek treatment.

Policy Advocacy

AOR works with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to promote legislation that supports recovery. This includes advocating for increased funding for treatment programs, expanding access to MAT, and implementing harm reduction strategies.

Impact

Since its inception, Advocates for Opioid Recovery has played a significant role in shaping public policy and increasing awareness about opioid addiction. The organization has contributed to the expansion of MAT programs and has been instrumental in reducing barriers to treatment.

Criticism and Challenges

While AOR has been praised for its efforts, it has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that the focus on MAT may overshadow other important aspects of recovery, such as psychosocial support and community-based interventions. Additionally, there are ongoing challenges related to funding and the implementation of comprehensive treatment programs.

Also see

• Opioid Epidemic
• Substance Use Disorder
• Harm Reduction
• Public Health Policy