When it comes to opioid addiction treatment, many people are unsure about the recovery options available to them and how they differ. There are several avenues that exist to help those with opioid use disorder overcome the disease of addiction and rebuild their lives with minimal disruption and maximum support for future long-lasting recovery.
Outpatient Opioid Addiction Treatment Programs
Residential short and long-term inpatient treatment programs do not work for all people, making evidence-based outpatient treatment preferable for many. Those looking into treatment options often encounter terms like OBOT and OTP to describe convenient and private outpatient recovery programs, but the acronyms can often be confusing and overwhelming without deeper research.
- OBOT: Office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) is the term used for standardized outpatient services provided for those with opioid use disorder. An OBOT program allows primary care or general health care practitioners to prescribe controlled substances scheduled III, IV, V medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid use disorders.
- OTP: Opioid treatment programs (OTP) include accredited clinicians who are certified to prescribe FDA-approved medication-assisted treatment (MAT) drugs to patients for opioid use disorder. Medications most often involve methadone but can also include buprenorphine and naltrexone as well. OTPs are the only setting in which methadone can be legally prescribed.
*OTP can be categorized in two ways: OTP with methadone and OTP with buprenorphine. The difference matters in states where laws differ based on treatment medications and prescribing protocols. Despite these differences, the medication is always dispensed, not prescribed, meaning that the patient must make daily visits to a clinic.
Which Outpatient Treatment Method is Best?
Every patient requires a specific approach to treat substance use disorder, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Addiction cannot be “fixed” by simply taking a pill, regardless of the incredible advancements in addiction science. Opioid use disorder treatment involves a dynamic program that includes medication with substance use counseling and plenty of individual work for each patient to excel and reach their recovery goals.
The benefit of OBOT programs includes the convenience of a prescription medication that is self-dispensed at home by the patient with periodic check-ins with their medical provider in a treatment center that looks and feels like any other doctor’s office. Along with open communication with their provider, patients are privy to substance use counseling in both individual and group settings that provides critical support for long-lasting recovery. Still, this method is not for everyone, and it puts a lot of responsibility on the patient, making relapse risk a threat for some cases and testing the self-motivation of those who may need a more structured program.
Although OBOTs have several advantages, OTPs with buprenorphine or methadone treatment are also highly effective and recommended programs for those looking to treat opioid use disorder. Many patients enjoy the routine of visiting their clinic daily, and the process can help establish a schedule and sense of drive for those just starting their recovery journey. In some states, insurance may only cover OTP, while other jurisdictions include both methadone and buprenorphine in various settings.
Finding Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Treatment services can vary from state to state, but MedMark Treatment Centers is determined to provide our communities with the opioid treatment programs they need. Find the nearest location or contact us today to learn more about the recovery options available. Opioid addiction recovery is possible, and our compassionate and knowledgeable professionals are waiting to help.
