What are OTP and OBOT Programs?
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 methods and 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 Recovery Programs
Residential short and long-term inpatient treatment programs don’t work for all people, making evidence-based outpatient recovery preferable for many. Those looking into treatment options often encounter terms like OBOT and OTP to describe convenient and private outpatient recovery therapies, but the words 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 recovery medications, and prescribing protocols vary. 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 recent 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 medical 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 provide critical support for long-lasting recovery. Still, this method isn’t for everyone, and it puts a lot of responsibility on the patient, making relapse risk a threat for some cases and can test the self-motivation of those who may need a more structured program.
Although OBOT has many advantages, OTP with buprenorphine or methadone treatments 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 coverage may only cover OTP, while other jurisdictions include both methadone and buprenorphine in various settings.
Treating Opioid Use Disorder in New Mexico
New Mexico treatment services vary from county to county, but Recovery Services of New Mexico is determined to provide surrounding communities with the opioid treatment programs they need. Locate and message or call the nearest location today to learn more about the recovery options available. Opioid addiction recovery is possible, and compassionate and knowledgeable professionals are waiting to help.
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