Medication-Assisted Treatment in Arkansas

In Arkansas, where so many towns are spread out and neighbors often know each other by name, asking for help with addiction can feel tough. Distance, work, and fear of being judged can keep people from getting the support they need, right when they need it most.

And while those barriers are real, the need for support hasn’t gone away. The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership reported that in 2023, compared to 2022, overdose deaths totaled 510 fatalities. During this time, Arkansas saw a 13.7% decline in drug overdose deaths, but the state’s opioid dispensing rate remains one of the highest in the nation at 71.5 prescriptions per 100 people, according to the CDC. Notably, in 2017, Arkansas state records show the rate exceeded 100 prescriptions per 100 people.

These numbers indicate a pressing need for accessible treatment options, and that’s where virtual addiction treatment is changing the landscape. It brings care to people in the comfort of their homes.

With QuickMD, you can start Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) from home using your phone, tablet, or computer. Whether you’re in Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Jasper, we bring care to you because everyone deserves treatment that fits their life.

Arkansas has taken significant steps to enhance access to addiction treatment, particularly through the expansion of telemedicine services.

Thanks to the Arkansas Telemedicine Act (Arkansas Code § 17-80-402), licensed providers can now deliver care, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), through secure video or phone calls. The law defines telemedicine as using electronic tools to assess, diagnose, treat, and support patients remotely.

That means you can now talk to a provider from home, instead of driving across counties or waiting weeks for an in-person visit.

Additionally, organizations like the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP) continue to expand access by supporting recovery programs, evidence-based treatment, and overdose prevention efforts. Their work includes distributing over 86,000 doses of naloxone since 2022, resulting in more than 2,000 documented overdose reversals.

These efforts are helping more people across Arkansas get the support they need, right when they need it. And with QuickMD, you can start treatment from wherever you are, with no judgment and no extra barriers.

How our virtual MAT program supports you

It’s no secret that addiction affects the brain’s chemistry. It makes it hard to stop without help. That’s why Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) works. Our providers use FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine and naloxone to help:

• Reduce withdrawal symptoms
• Relieve cravings
• Protect you from relapse and opioid overdose

During your initial appointment, one of our providers will get to know you, your health history, and your daily life. From there, they’ll build a care plan that may include FDA-approved medications, like:

• Partial opioid agonists (such as buprenorphine): These gently activate your brain’s opioid receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, without causing a full “high.”
• Opioid antagonists (like naloxone): These block those same receptors to help prevent misuse and protect you from overdose.

Our team includes a range of providers, including mental health professionals who understand how addiction affects every part of your life, not just your body, but your mind, your relationships, and your routine. We recognize that this isn’t one-size-fits-all care. It’s treatment designed for you, so you can take control of your health.

1. Build routines that work for rural living

In many parts of Arkansas, daily life might include long commutes, shift work, or managing a family farm. Whatever your routine looks like, your care plan should fit into it, not disrupt it. Set medication reminders that fit your lifestyle, whether that’s during your morning coffee or after feeding the animals.

2. Plan around spotty internet or phone service

If you live in an area with unreliable connections, plan ahead. Identify safe spots with stable service (like a library parking lot or a quiet cafe) where you can take appointments if needed.

3. Tap into local support

While some rural areas may lack in-person groups, many Arkansas recovery communities now offer virtual options. Also, check local churches or community centers that may offer support meetings close to home.

4. Let your provider know about your daily demands

Life in Arkansas can be busy and unpredictable, whether you’re working outside, caring for loved ones, or balancing multiple jobs. Let your provider know what your days look like. They can help adjust your care plan to fit your reality, not someone else’s.

No matter how small your town or how remote your home, you deserve support. We’re here to help you take control of your health—on your terms.