Two drugs used to treat alcohol-use disorder have been included in the provincial plan
The Saskatchewan Prescription Drug Plan has been expanded to include two new drugs for people with alcohol-use disorder.
On July 1, Revia (naltrexone) and Campral (acamprosate) were added to the drug plan, according to CBC News. Naltrexone is used to eliminate cravings for alcohol, while acamprosate is used to maintain sobriety for those who have already kicked the habit.
“Our government is committed to providing services to help people struggling with addictions,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said in a release. “These products are an important addition to the continuum of alcohol treatment services offered throughout Saskatchewan.”
In line with the ministry’s Saskatchewan Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, the two drugs are used in conjunction with a counselling program. The plan generally recommends that individuals suffering from mental health and addiction issues be provided with support from primary healthcare providers; it also focuses on reducing the harm associated with alcohol misuse.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information recently reported that there were 77,000 hospital admissions linked to conditions that are “100% caused by the harmful consumption of alcohol” last year. The Government of Saskatchewan website, meanwhile, reported that there were more than 30,000 admissions to addictions services in 2015-16.
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On July 1, Revia (naltrexone) and Campral (acamprosate) were added to the drug plan, according to CBC News. Naltrexone is used to eliminate cravings for alcohol, while acamprosate is used to maintain sobriety for those who have already kicked the habit.
“Our government is committed to providing services to help people struggling with addictions,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said in a release. “These products are an important addition to the continuum of alcohol treatment services offered throughout Saskatchewan.”
In line with the ministry’s Saskatchewan Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, the two drugs are used in conjunction with a counselling program. The plan generally recommends that individuals suffering from mental health and addiction issues be provided with support from primary healthcare providers; it also focuses on reducing the harm associated with alcohol misuse.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information recently reported that there were 77,000 hospital admissions linked to conditions that are “100% caused by the harmful consumption of alcohol” last year. The Government of Saskatchewan website, meanwhile, reported that there were more than 30,000 admissions to addictions services in 2015-16.
Related stories:
More hospital admissions linked to alcohol than heart attacks last year, says CIHI
More evidence needed for cannabis’ merits as a medicine: Canadian Cancer Society
