The opioid epidemic has touched the lives of many here in Iowa, and for many it can be difficult to know how to take the next steps in combating the effects of the drugs themselves or for someone else. When faced with the long road of recovery, there are many treatment options throughout the state, and even in Guthrie County.

Addison Enns, the Director of Social Work at Guthrie County Hospital, says the first step is to confirm the opioid abuse and research different treatment facilities to find the one that fits best. She says it’s good to reach out to different facilities to get a good feel of what is available in their particular area.

Enns talks about one service to help in that search that is offered in Guthrie County. “We actually have right here in Guthrie Center, New Opportunities, they provide outpatient services. To get accepted there you would need to know the insurance information and whether or not its covered. Then they would do an assessment to decide what level of treatment is required.”

Enns also says there are usually waitlists for the different facilities, so it’s important to reach out as soon as possible to receive effective treatment. To hear more from Enns on treatment options, listen to today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program.