Iowans Get New Website to Help Break Opioid Addictions

Attorney General Tom Miller hosted a press conference on Monday to tout the launch of IowaOpioidHelp.com. 

The website is a doorway to resources and treatment for Iowans suffering from addiction. But, just as important, it's a resource for family and friends of people with substance use disorders.

The Iowa Attorney General wants individuals, families, and friends to know that opioid addiction is a treatable illness.

Visitors to the website IowaOpioidHelp.com will find information on Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), a proven method of using FDA-approved drugs to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms for people with opioid use disorder. 

"MAT wasn't being used to the degree possible to help people. So we're trying, and hopefully, the website will help create a different perspective for Iowans that substance use is a treatable disease." - Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller.

"Substance addiction is a treatable disease with abstinence from substance use as one option. Another option is MAT or Medications for Addiction Treatments which is essentially a low-grade use of opioids that reduces a patient's dependency," said AG Tom Miller.

In partnership with the University of Iowa Health Care, the AG's Office committed $3.8 million in financial resources to connect Iowans to treatment resources and substance disorder health services. 

Iowa's Attorney General Tom Miller and his office have long pursued financial compensation from the pharmaceutical companies responsible for the addiction epidemic. Thus far, $178 million has been secured for Iowa from the pharmaceutical companies. Over time, Iowa is expected to receive over $250 million, which may be used for education and addiction treatment options.

"For many years, our office has worked to hold those responsible for the opioid crisis accountable," Miller said. "Resources are beginning to flow into the state from the many hard-fought settlements we've won."  

Over 18 years, Iowa expects to receive $177.74 million from settlements with opioid maker Johnson & Johnson and the nation's three major pharmaceutical distributors: Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen. That amount will be split evenly between the state, counties, and cities.

"Our office is dedicated to helping Iowans who suffer from Opioid Use Disorder. You are not alone. Take advantage of these resources today," said AG Tom Miller.

Twenty-Five Years ago, companies such as Perdue Pharma embarked on a criminal and deadly campaign, deceiving the medical profession while harming countless individuals, families, and communities across America. As a result, the country has experienced and suffered a real epidemic of the use of opioids and addictions. 

For more information, visit IowaOpioidHelp.com.