What Is an Opioid Treatment Program?

An opioid treatment program (OTP) integrates medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with mental health counseling to treat opioid use disorders. Oftentimes, these programs are available at inpatient treatment centers. We’ve compiled a resource to address common questions about OTPs. 

Eligibility for Opioid Treatment Programs

Opioid Treatment Programs exclusively treat opioid-use disorders. If you suffer from addiction from any of the following, you may qualify for an OTP: 

• Natural opiates: morphine, codeine, thebaine
• Semi-synthetic opioids: hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone (OxyContin), heroin
• Fully synthetic/manmade opioids: fentanyl, pethidine, levorphanol, methadone, tramadol, and dextropropoxyphene.

In order to qualify as an opioid treatment program, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) must have approved the accrediting body that green lit the program.

Medications Used in OTPs

The drugs used in an opioid treatment program are FDA approved. These drugs include: 

• Methadone: This drug reduces withdrawal symptoms by tricking the brain into thinking it’s still receiving an addictive opioid. It comes in liquid, pill, or injection form. Pregnant women can use methadone, but must first talk to their treatment provider.
• Buprenorphine: Unlike methadone, which must be used in a clinic, this drug, known as an “opioid partial agonist,” can be prescribed in physicians’ offices. While it still produces euphoria and respiratory depression at low and moderate doses, it does not affect the body as strongly. The most well-known type of buprenorphine is Suboxone.
• Naltrexone: This drug is an “opiate antagonist.” It works by preventing the euphoric effects of opioids and decreases your desire to take them.

What to Expect at an Opioid Treatment Program

When you enter an OTP, you don’t just use medication to treat substance abuse and mental health. Instead, you can expect to have access to counseling and behavioral health therapies. This is because the goal of OTPs is to provide a “whole-patient” approach to addiction.

Combining medication and therapy can help you in many ways. First of all, it helps you detox from your addiction in a safe method. It can also help you manage your withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, having access to therapy and counseling can help give you the skills you need to resist addiction in the future.

We Can Help You

The Christian Recovery Program at The Blackberry Center in St. Cloud, Florida specializes in dealing with the rooted issues underlying substance use, abuse, addiction, and codependency. While we are committed to a Christ-centered treatment approach, we also utilize doctors and professional specialists to complement that faith-based care.

We hope to provide a safe atmosphere where people feel the love of Jesus and each other. In addition, our clinical staff have the highest qualifications to treat trauma and deeper-rooted issues. Reach out to us today by calling 1-844-232-6151 or filling out this contact form.