Most people believe non-medical services could help combat opioid addiction

In a new survey on the best approaches to help those with opioid use disorder, an overwhelming majority of respondents thought that non-medical services, including assistance with utility bills, would help people stay in treatment. More than half said one-on-one support from a person in recovery could be effective. About 30% believed that support for meals or with transportation could make a difference, while roughly a quarter believed that providing child care and job training could be helpful. Only a small percentage believed that a “cold-turkey” approach was a good strategy. Notably, some 70% didn’t know what medical treatments were offered for opioid addiction, nor did they know how much of the cost would be covered by insurance.