Opioids

What is an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)?
Initial Appointments
  • Patients will receive a complete medical physical at the OTP.
  • A medical professional will discuss medication options with each patient:
    • Methadone - reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
    • Buprenorphine - decreases withdrawal symptoms for a longer period of time compared to methadone
    • Naltrexone - prevents feeling the effects of a drug
  • Patients will meet with a licensed addiction counselor to develop counseling goals.
Medication Monitoring
  • Depending on the patient’s individual treatment plan, they may receive medications at the OTP daily, weekly, or monthly (program hours are set up to be conducive to patient’s work schedules and daily responsibilities, often opening early enough to allow patients to get to work by 8:00am).
  • Patients will attend appointments regularly with their medical professional.
Counseling Options
  • Individual and/or group therapy will be provided based on the patient’s individual treatment needs.
Evidence-Based Strategies for Addressing the Opioid Crisis
Statewide Prevention Campaigns

Two statewide prevention campaigns address prescription opioid abuse and its consequences, including overdose.
Lock.Monitor.TakeBack Lock. Monitor. Take Back. is an evidence-based prevention effort with the primary goal of reducing access to prescription drugs, especially opioids, by encouraging North Dakotans to be safe with their medications, including promoting North Dakota Take Back locations, and promoting ways communities can support this effort at the local level.
stopoverdoselogo Stop Overdose is an evidence-based overdose prevention effort focused on saving lives by raising awareness of the risk and signs of overdose, safe ways to respond, and best practices in prescribing, treatment, and recovery practices to those most impacted by this public health concern, such as family members and friends, prescribers, pharmacists, behavioral health professionals, and other professionals.