Spectrum opens outpatient clinic for opioid addiction in Maine

Worcester-based Spectrum Health Systems, which provides treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues, has announced the launch of its first outpatient clinic in Maine.

On Thursday, Spectrum said the Sanford location is its first outpatient clinic outside the Bay State and is the first opioid addiction treatment clinic in York County. The nonprofit also has dozens of programs in correctional facilities in Washington, Iowa, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Rhode Island.

"By increasing access to treatment services, we are able to assist more individuals in achieving sobriety, sustaining recovery, and fulfilling personal goals so that they can lead healthier, more productive lives," said Kristin Nolan, Spectrum's executive director for outpatient services.

The outpatient clinic provides counseling and medication-assisted treatment to those addicted to heroin and other opioids such as OxyContin and hydrocodone, Spectrum said. According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there has been a 430 percent increase in the rate of treatment admissions for the abuse of prescription pain relievers among those 12 and older in the U.S. over a 10-year period.

Clients of the Sanford clinic receive medical evaluations, monitoring, daily onsite medication dispensing, comprehensive clinical assessments, individualized treatment planning, educational services, and individual, group and/or family counseling, Spectrum said. Same-day admission will soon be offered.

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