Opioid treatment programs: How they can help young people with opioid use disorders

Known as “methadone clinics,” although they do much more than provide medication, opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are increasing in number, slowly but surely. The stigma against methadone is enormous, mainly from politicians but even in some medical circles. But neighborhoods that for so many years said “not in my back yard” — or NIMBY — to treatment programs for people with opioid use disorders are finally realizing that their back yard is exactly where these programs are needed. Their own loved ones are dying from overdoses. OTPs provide medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) — which includes not only the medication, but also the counseling and other comprehensive services — and can help their family, friends and neighbors. Yet in too many parts of the country, it's not available, or if it is, it requires a long drive, a long wait on a waiting list, and a significant outlay of cash because, in many cases, insurance won't pay for it.