Behavioral Health Services FAQs
What are Behavioral Health Services?
According to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medication Assisted Treatment is the use of FDA-approved medications in combination with evidence-based behavioral therapies to provide a whole-patient approach to treating Substance Use Disorders
What is an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)?
Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) provide medication-assisted treatment for people diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD). OTPs are certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and accredited by an independent, SAMHSA-approved accrediting body. For SAMHSA certification, OTPs must comply with all state laws and regulations enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Addiction, like many chronic diseases, is a treatable condition. Treatment enables individuals to counteract addiction’s powerful effects on the brain and allows them to regain control of their lives. There are a variety of evidence-based approaches to treating opioid dependency. Treatments include behavioral therapy (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management), medication, or a combination of approaches. Evidence-based therapies help recovering addicts reestablish normal brain functioning, avoid relapse, and steer clear of opioid cravings.
The following medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of opioid dependence:
- Naltrexone (oral)
- Naltrexone extended release (injectable)
- Buprenorphine
- Buprenorphine-naloxone
- Methadone
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), a substance use disorder is characterized as a
“primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in the individual pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors. The addiction is characterized by impairment in behavioral control, craving, inability to consistently abstain, and diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships. Like other chronic diseases, [substance use disorders] can involve cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, [substance use disorders are] progressive and can result in disability or premature death.”
Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder
Affinity Healthcare Group specializes in treating opioid use disorder. Our addiction treatment facilities provide evidence-based therapies and FDA-approved medications in combination with behavioral counseling. For more information on Affinity’s opioid addiction treatments or to schedule a consultation with an opioid addiction specialist, contact Affinity Healthcare Group today.
