Opioid addiction comes with serious consequences, but treatment is available to help people recover. There are multiple types of opioid treatment services available, and among these options, medication assisted treatment for opioid use is considered an effective choice. Ultimately, the best treatment program will depend upon a person’s individual needs and situation. Below, we detail various types of opioid addiction treatment, including online medication assisted treatment.
Opioid Treatment Programs
The term “opioid treatment program” (OTP) is an official label applied to addiction treatment programs that offer medication assisted treatment for opiate addiction. This type of treatment, often called MAT, utilizes medications alongside counseling to treat opioid addiction. An OTP provider must seek accreditation and certification according to Federal guidelines in order to dispense approved MAT drugs.
While OTPs are programs that provide medication for opioid use disorder, people may use the term opioid treatment programs (OTP) to refer to any services used in the treatment of opioid addiction.
Types of Opioid Treatment Programs
OTP services most often involve a combination of medications and counseling, but there are other options when a person seeks treatment for opioid addiction. Some common forms of opioid addiction treatment are as follows.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication assisted treatment is the use of approved MAT drugs alongside behavioral services like counseling in the treatment of opioid addiction. This type of treatment is beneficial because medications can treat withdrawal symptoms and cravings while a person undergoes counseling to address the underlying issues that led to addiction.
Due to changes implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, online medication assisted treatment is now available. This means that patients can access MAT drug treatment from the convenience and privacy of home.
Types of MAT
When choosing the best option among several available OTP services, it is helpful to understand that there are different types of medication-assisted treatment. Common types of MAT used in OTPs include the following:
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
A physician working in a certified MAT program can help you to determine the best option for you, as its medication comes with its own risks and benefits. It is usually recommended that patients participate in counseling while taking one of these medications.
Residential Treatment Services
Residential opioid treatment programs provide around the clock care to patients who live on-site at a treatment facility while receiving services for opioid addiction. This type of treatment is beneficial for people who do not have a safe living environment or who are unable to recover while living at home and being exposed to drug use triggers.
While in a residential treatment program, patients have access to a variety of providers, including opioid use disorder specialists, counselors, case managers, and medical staff. Patients may receive MAT drugs while in a residential treatment center, in addition to participating in individual and group counseling.
Outpatient OTP Services
Some patients may choose to participate in outpatient OTP treatment, which allows them to continue to live at home, attend work, and care for a family while receiving services. Patients receiving this level of care often participate in both individual and group counseling to help them learn ways to cope with drug use triggers and manage stress without turning to substance misuse.