Better Control For Controlled Substances

Tackling the Challenges of Controlled Substance Use and Misuse

The Problem

The opioid crisis, also known as the opioid epidemic, refers to the rapid increase in the use and misuse of both prescription and nonprescription opioid drugs, leading to a significant rise in addiction and overdose deaths since the 1990s.

Multiple factors have contributed to the crisis including the over prescribing of opioid medications by healthcare providers, aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical companies, and a lack of adequate treatment and prevention measures. The impact to individuals, families, and the public health system has been profound.

2.5M+

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) affects an estimated 2.5 million adults in the U.S.

Reference: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/overview

The Gap

Medications to treat OUD substantially reduce overdose-related and overall mortality but remain underutilized. Of the 2.5+ million U.S. adults diagnosed with OUD, only an estimated 25% receive FDA approved medications for their disorder. Further, the disparities in access across gender, race, and ethnicity widen the gap for successful recovery.

Accessing methadone as a treatment option for OUD has a unique set of challenges. Verinetics is addressing this unmet need with innovative technology solutions.

Learn more about medications to treat OUD from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Methadone Treatment Barriers

Social Stigma

The negative social stigma associated with OUD prevents many individuals from seeking the treatment to achieve their recovery goals. The stigma may come from family, friends, healthcare providers, community, and even from themselves.
Time

Methadone for OUD is only dispensed from Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), typically requiring daily visits during fixed operating hours. Limited clinic hours can impact available work time, childcare and eldercare needs, and the ability to travel.
Costs

The expense of treatment extends beyond the out-of-pocket costs of medication and the treatment program. Expenses include daily transportation costs, lost work and wages, and other expenses. The add-on cost is estimated to exceed $20 a day for many.