Try to uncover more angles to the "referral". Is it illegal because they receive compensation/cut? If yes, build it around "being the hero" for people not directly affected but have huge stake or motivation to help addicts (like some in this thread) - try and reach people on the edge of communities most affected by it - for example, distribute a "qualifier questionnaire" physical leaflet which gives people free consultation and 30% off list price on treatment. Your "Withdrawal Heroes" would get a pack and they could drop some off in relevant places in their communities or give to people directly - they probably know what places to hit better than you could identify effectively. The value for them is helping others; this might be your better bet anyways compared to referral $$ incentive anyways. Next step is to use people in recovery who used your system for similar little bets and more - giving talks, spreading the word in communities as part-time employees for example (some sort of "ambassadorship" for the lack of a better word).
ps. I'm in Europe and only following opioid news from the distance, just want to add keep it up and good luck with the project, more stuff like this is needed
happy to brainstorm or invest some more time in coming up with ideas pro bono just let me know
I'm so sorry to hear that, but I really appreciate your words of support, and I hope whoever you know who is struggling is doing OK. The biggest barrier to accessing treatment is just the lack of awareness that it exists. Please reach out if you want to chat or want more information as they consider options.
More generally: MAT is very well researched, vetted, and accepted by the medical community. Our innovation is in the delivery of this treatment, through ways that make it easier to opt into and stick with. MAT has historical adherence rates of 60-70% (same as diabetes and depression), but often people drop out because they grow tired of visiting a clinic regularly for group therapy, just to get their medication refilled. We think we can increase adherence rates by making MAT less of a burden to people, particularly as they enter into the later stages of treatment.
Thanks! That's definitely a good suggestion, but there's always the risk they disapprove of something like this and then reject our certification - which would make it not worth it.
Thanks for your thoughts. I'm interested to see how kratom fits into the longer-term solution. An issue right now is that its formulation is not standard, so there are different brands with different concentrations, which makes it difficult to "prescribe" as medicne. Another problem is that it's sold at smoke shops along with vape pens and paraphernalia, so people who aren't already using opioids are trying it out of curiosity and becoming accidentally dependent.
Are you implying that you think kratom should not be available otc? If so you’re completely going against your mission of helping people get off opiates. I can add to the pile of anecdotes that I personally know 10-15 people who’ve used kratom to kick serious years-long addictions to oxycontin.
1. We need to be licensed in each state in which we operate, which limits our reach.
2. Our lawyers tell us that a “referral program” is illegal. Sounds stupid to me.
3. I think you’re right about the phone call. What would you recommend instead? We have the text prompt up top, but it’s not the main call to action.
You seem like a great person to get to know. Email me if you’re interested in chatting more. I appreciate it.