When opioid misuse or addiction becomes a factor in your life or the life of someone you care about, getting treatment is vital to preserving your health, relationships, finances, and more. In order to get the care that you need, it helps to learn more about what treatment looks like before taking the next step on the path to recovery.

What Is an Opioid Treatment Program?
An opioid treatment program (OTP) is a center that provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT), individual counseling, and other support services to address every aspect of an individual’s life that is affected by opioid use. This comprehensive approach to opioid addiction treatment has been the gold standard for decades and offers the structure and support individuals need to successfully maintain their recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment in OTPs
Medications are used in treatment to help reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, allowing patients to stop using opioids illicitly and participate in other elements of their program. Methadone is the most common medication used in OTPs because of its effectiveness in treating all types of opioid addictions, from prescription pain medications to heroin and fentanyl. Because treatment is delivered in an outpatient setting, individuals can often fit MAT programs into their everyday schedules, allowing them to receive care without needing to put their lives on hold.

The Role of Counseling in Treatment
Opioid addiction typically develops as a result of physical and psychological factors, so it makes sense to address both aspects for individuals to find long-term success in their recovery. Counseling sessions can help those in treatment understand how addiction works and determine the root cause of their opioid use. It is also helpful to work with a counselor on learning new coping skills for dealing with life’s stressors, changing thoughts and behaviors around opioid use, and rebuilding relationships with family and friends.

Do Opioid Treatment Programs Work?
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recognizes MAT as the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder. It is more effective than using medication or counseling alone, and it significantly reduces the risks of relapse and overdose in comparison to approaches that do not use medication. It is important to remember that no one enters treatment and comes out of it completely free of all temptation to use opioids. Rather, treatment offers a set of tools, including medication, that help patients with addiction learn how to manage their condition effectively.

Getting Started With Treatment Today
MedMark Treatment Centers has been helping individuals in our community find recovery from opioid misuse and addiction for more than 10 years. We are focused on providing comprehensive, patient-centered care in a non-judgmental, understanding environment. 

If you or a loved one is ready to learn more about our opioid treatment program, reach out to us today at 731 Sabrina Dr., Suite C in East Peoria, call 309.857.7229, or visit www.medmark.com for more information.