Oklahoma City Indian Clinic promotes treatment and recovery for opioid use disorder.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, promotes awareness, treatment and recovery for opioid use disorder.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), 8-12% of people using an opioid for chronic pain develop opioid use disorder. The risk for developing opioid use disorder depends on multiple factors.
“Anyone can become addicted to opioids, even if they are prescribed,” said Janice Hixson, MD, OKCIC’s Chief Medical Officer. “Taking a prescribed opioid for a longer period of time increases the risk of becoming addicted.”
Although opioid misuse can start with being prescribed a medication, it can also start with people using medication that wasn’t prescribed to them. Locking up medications and properly discarding old medications can help keep them from being misused. OKCIC has a medication disposal bin that looks like a big green box in the lobby at 4913 W. Reno’s location. There are other safe disposal locations throughout Oklahoma. Find the one closest to you at thinksmartok.org/safe-solutions#take-back-programs
Everyone’s journey is different. Opioid use disorder can be treated with a combination of medications, counseling and behavioral therapies referred to as Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) or Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Treatment options are available throughout Oklahoma, including OKCIC.
“It’s important to remember recovery is possible,” Dr. Hixson said.
According to NIH, opioids were involved in 70% of overdoses in Oklahoma in 2018. Naloxone is a life saving medication for opioid overdose. If you would like to request naloxone or for more information:
- Text the word “SHOTS” to (918) 973-2671 to receive naloxone or other supplies by mail
- Text the word “NALOXONE” to *55155 to receive information concerning Naloxone/Narcan availability.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 20,000 patients from over 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.
