Opioid use disorder affects thousands of Minnesotans every year, yet stigma and misunderstanding often prevent people from seeking the help they need. In this honest, hope-filled conversation, Dr. Allison Juba shares her personal connection to this issue and explains how medication-assisted treatment is saving lives in our community.

Dr. Juba breaks down the difference between physical dependence and addiction, explains the three evidence-based medications available for treatment, and describes how Alomere’s approach treats opioid use disorder like any other chronic medical condition—with compassion, evidence-based care, and without judgment.

Whether you’re struggling yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand this critical health issue better, this episode offers practical information and hope. Dr. Juba’s expertise and personal experience provide a perspective that could be life-changing for someone who needs to hear that help is available and recovery is possible.

This conversation removes the mystery and shame around opioid use disorder treatment, emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Listen now—and then visit our Medication-Assisted Treatment webpage to get the names of Alomere Health providers who offer this treatment. Call Alexandria Clinic at 320-763-5123 or visit alomerehealth.com and use MyChart to schedule an appointment with Dr. Juba or another provider who specializes in treating substance use disorders.

Resources and Tools

Here are the resources Dr. Juba mentions in this episode:

Note: Head to Toe podcasts are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical advice is unique to each individual. Talk with your health care provider to see what’s right for you. If you’ve got an urgent health need, please schedule an appointment or visit the Alexandria Clinic Express Care today. If this is an emergency, dial 911.

“By providing those medications in a more accessible place like the clinic, you can get patients to come in more regularly and get them the healthcare they previously hadn’t been getting.”