CareSouth Carolina welcomes newest MAT provider

CareSouth Carolina welcomes Sheila Blossom, FNP, as the newest MAT provider for multiple locations across the Pee Dee.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. MAT patients must receive counseling, which could include different forms of behavioral therapy.

These services are required along with medical, vocational, educational, and other assessment and treatment services. The prescribed medications used in MAT programs work to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug.

Sheila comes to CareSouth Carolina with six years of experience in nursing experience in cardiac and public health. She believes that MAT services are vital to the success of treating patients with opioid addiction.

“We’re here as a vehicle to help,” Blossom said. “This additional resource promotes a focus on healing and restoration.  This isn’t just about gaining back your well-being over substance abuse, but about gaining back your life.”

Sheila received her Master of Science Degree in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) at Walden University and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at Francis Marion University.

To Sheila, the most rewarding part of this program is seeing the positive outcomes that are produced in the patient’s life.

She will be providing MAT at Rubicon, Alpha and Trinity Behavioral Services, as well as the CareSouth office in Cheraw.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her spouse, family and friends and loves to travel.