4. Manage opioid misuse abuse

Manage opioid misuse + abuse

We're committed to addressing the opioid epidemic by helping clinicians and members manage overuse and misuse of opioids. Anyone who takes opioids is at risk for addiction and overdose.

Opioids include: heroin, methadone, and pain pills (prescribed or not).

Prevention

  • Take opioids only if they have been prescribed to you, and only as instructed.
  • Dispose of your unused prescription opioids at a take-back location.
  • Do not combine opioids with alcohol or benzodiazepine medications.

Reverse an opioid overdose with naloxone

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available for free at all SSM Health Dean Medical Group pharmacies. You do not need a prescription. 

Learn how to administer naloxone.

Medication-assisted treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines counseling and medications to treat substance use disorders. MAT offers people who are addicted to opioids a real chance at recovery. Call the Member Services number on the back of your insurance card to find an MAT provider near you.

Opioid use and pregnancy

Pregnant women with opioid use disorder are at increased risk of serious complications that can be life-threatening to mother and baby. A baby born to a woman with opioid use disorder may have opioid withdrawal symptoms, as well.

If you are pregnant and think you may have an opioid use disorder, do not suddenly stop using opioids. Medical supervision is required. Talk to your obstetrician to develop a treatment plan that is safe for you and your baby.

Recovery coaching

Dean Health Plan and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison partner with Safe Communities of Madison-Dane County to provide recovery coaches through the ED2Recovery and Pregnancy2Recovery programs.

ED2Recovery can guide you into treatment shortly after having a medical emergency from an opioid overdose. On-call recovery coaches from Safe Communities meet with patients in the emergency department at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital - Madison. The coaches work hand-in-hand with patients all the way through the recovery journey.

Similarly, Pregnancy2Recovery helps pregnant mothers dealing with substance abuse. Dean Medical Group obstetrics providers in Dane County identify patients in need and can connect them with a recovery coach. The coaches, certified through the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery Program, inspire and help women receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as early as possible.

Members must reside in Dane County to participate in these two programs.

Behavioral health case management

If you are worried about your opioid use or interested in medication-assisted treatment, our mental health case management program may be an option for you. Enrollment is free and voluntary. Learn more about this service and sign up.