As one of the nation’s leading providers of substance use disorder treatments, we’re dedicated to educating patients, families, and medical providers alike. Explore our latest insights to learn more about opioid addiction treatment.
Community Medical Services is pleased to announce that most CMS locations now accept eligible Cigna insurance plans for opioid use disorder treatment and related recovery services. This update gives more individuals and families another potential way to access compassionate, evidence-based care. Because insurance coverage, provider networks, and out-of-pocket costs can vary by plan and location, […]
When you hear the words “opioid use disorder,” what comes to mind? For too many people, the answer is shaped by stigma: assumptions, fear, judgment, or the belief that addiction is simply a matter of choice or willpower. But opioid use disorder, or OUD, is a medical condition. People living with OUD are parents, children, […]
The federal government has taken its first concrete regulatory step against a group of lab-made kratom-derived compounds. At Community Medical Services (CMS), we know that headlines like this one raise real, personal questions for people who use these products — questions about supply, withdrawal, and what to do next. Here’s a clear look at what […]
Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are designed to help people recover from opioid addiction, yet many patients find themselves frustrated by unnecessary barriers, inadequate care, and a lack of compassion in these programs. Stories from patients switching to Community Medical Services (CMS) reveal common issues: restrictive methadone dosing policies, long waitlists, unnecessary take-home dose restrictions, and […]
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has taken a major step toward removing dangerous concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products from store shelves. If you or someone you love has been using these products, this news matters, not just as a legal update, but as a moment to think about your health and what support looks like […]
For many patients, the short answer is yes. In general, breastfeeding is encouraged for mothers who are stable on methadone treatment for opioid use disorder and who do not have another medical reason to avoid breastfeeding. Major clinical guidance from ACOG, CDC, and LactMed support breastfeeding in this setting because methadone levels in breast milk are low and breastfeeding can benefit both […]
At Community Medical Services, our mission has always been guided by a simple idea: meet people where they are and remove every possible barrier that stands between them and the lifesaving care they need. For many individuals living with opioid use disorder (OUD), transportation is one of the most significant and persistent barriers to treatment. […]
Understanding the difference between opioid dependence and opioid addiction can help reduce stigma, improve communication, and make it easier for people to get the right kind of care. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing. In simple terms, opioid dependence refers to a physical adaptation of the body, […]
One of the biggest reasons people avoid treatment for opioid use disorder is withdrawal. Those who have never had a substance abuse problem often don’t understand that “quitting cold turkey” isn’t a viable option. Aside from feeling awful, withdrawal can cause many other issues, making it nearly impossible for a person to function. Recovering from […]
Although opioid overdose deaths in the United States have declined slightly in recent years, they remain alarmingly high, with more than 107,000 people dying of drug overdoses in 2023. The primary drug driving these deaths is fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has become widely available across the U.S. through organized drug networks. If you […]
The short answer is yes; in many cases you can start methadone treatment using telehealth. However, accessing methadone treatment depends on where you live, the laws in your state, and the policies of your local opioid treatment program (OTP). At Community Medical Services (CMS), our goal is to remove as many barriers as possible so […]
If you or someone you care about has been using prescription painkillers or illicit opioids for any length of time, stopping can feel daunting. Opioids alter brain chemistry in ways that make the body depend on them to feel “normal,” so once you reduce or stop using them, the nervous system reacts quickly and produces […]
