Opioid treatment programs (OTPs)
Medication is the first line of treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) provide the only location where individuals can be administered or dispensed all three types of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD): methadone, buprenorphine products (Suboxone, Subutex), and naltrexone (Vivitrol).
OTPs offer medical and behavioral health services to all patients to facilitate a holistic approach to recovery such as substance use outpatient treatment and Hepatitis C and wound care services.
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How do OTPs work?
OTPs use medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) — the use of medicines combined with counseling and behavioral therapies — to treat patients diagnosed with opioid use disorders (OUDs).
What are the types of medications for opioid use disorder?
There are currently three FDA-approved types of evidence-based medications used to treat opioid use disorder: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
Methadone
- What it is: It is a synthetic opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors
- How it works: Eliminates withdrawal symptoms and relieves cravings
- How to get it: Must be dispensed through specialized treatment programs called Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs)
Buprenorphine
- What it is: It is an opioid antagonist, which means that it works by blocking the activation of opioid receptors
- How it works: It prevents any opioid drug from producing rewarding effects such as euphoria
- How to get it: Can be prescribed by any medical professional who can prescribe medication.
Naltrexone
- What it is: It is an opioid antagonist, which means that it works by blocking the activation of opioid receptors
- How it works: It prevents any opioid drug from producing rewarding effects such as euphoria
- How to get it: Can be prescribed by any medical professional who can prescribe medication.
What do I need to know about certification?
OTPs are licensed and certified as a behavioral health agency by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). OTPs must also obtain:
- A drug other controlled substance registration from the Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission.
- Accreditation from a federally-approved accreditation organization.
- Approval from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Information about this process, including state laws and regulations, can be found on the DOH OTP webpage.
HCA's Washington State Opioid Treatment Authority office provides oversight for BH-ASO and MCO contracted services.