Santa Fe, NM — Santa Fe Recovery Center announced it has received the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Medication Assisted Treatment Access grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Santa Fe Recovery Center (SFRC) will use the funding to increase access for Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) in McKinley County – an area in need of resources to effectively treat opioid use disorder. 

“Medication-assisted Treatment is a highly effective option for the treatment of substance use disorder, and it’s unfortunate that those who need it most face significant challenges in accessing these services, especially in the rural areas of our state,” said Stacy Martin, Santa Fe Recovery Center CEO. “This funding will be transformative for us in our mission to bridge the gap between treatment and recovery through accessible and comprehensive care.” 

MAT uses medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce intense cravings, normalize brain function and stabilize mood. This makes it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery without being consumed by the physical discomfort and psychological urge to use substances. It also increases the likelihood that individuals remain engaged in therapy and recovery, which leads to better outcomes. 

“Incorporating medications into addiction treatment acknowledges the complexity of addiction as a medical issue and offers a science-based solution that improves the chances of recovery success,” said Dr. James Besante, Santa Fe Recovery Center’s Chief Medical Officer. “I do want to emphasize, however, that MAT is a component of a holistic approach to treatment. It works best when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the underlying emotional and psychological factors driving addiction.” 

People living in rural areas often encounter significant challenges when trying to access MAT including limited availability of healthcare providers authorized to prescribe MAT medications, transportation issues coupled with the costs associated with travel, and stigma surrounding addiction that can further deter individuals from seeking help. 

Santa Fe Recovery Center will manage these new MAT services through its Gallup location referred to as Four Corners Detox Recovery Center. The Recovery Center’s Gallup location offers detoxification, residential and outpatient treatment for substance use disorder. Santa Fe Recovery Center will work in concert with a consortium of other community providers in McKinley County to launch its expanded MAT program.