Opioid Treatment Providers of Georgia (OTPG)-Treatment providers, counselors, and other interested persons concerned about heroin and other opioid addiction, treatment, recovery, and traditional and alternative treatment options

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A historical day with Governor Perdue at the Georgia State Capitol on Methadone Awareness Day March 4, 2009 (click for larger image)

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http://www.mhddad.dhr.georgia.gov

http://www.nida.nih.gov/

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Opioid Treatment Providers of Georgia (OTPGA)

galleryOpioid Treatment Providers of Georgia (OTPGA), formerly known as the Georgia Methadone Providers Coalition (GMPC) was established in 1996. It is a non-profit organization of treatment providers, counselors, and other interested persons concerned about treatment, recovery, and traditional and alternative options for heroin and other opioid addiction.

The Opioid Treatment Providers of Georgia is actively involved in a number of federally-funded research projects designed to enhance the effectiveness of addiction treatment and improve the health and well-being of our patients.

Over the past 40 years opiate treatment, also known as methadone treatment, has saved thousands of lives through comprehensive treatment services. Currently, the Opioid Treatment Providers of Georgia's collective membership has embarked on the purpose of providing specialized services. This initiative is funded in major part through the Georgia Department of Human Resources. The Opiate Treatment Providers of Georgia looks forward to continued collaboration efforts to address public health issues in the area of addictive disease treatment.

OTPG Newsletter
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New Informational Video

Exploring the World of Opioid Dependency is a new informational video (running time: approx: 15 min) produced exclusively for the OTPG and it's members. It is an informative and emotional overview of addiction, it's impact on lives and most importantly, the treatment solutions and healing that is possible. View a short trailer below.

  • Receive a complimentary DVD of Exploring the World of Opioid Dependency upon becoming a member of OTPG
  • Additional copies are available for $10.00 when requested by a membership clinic/staffer
  • Non-OTPG member cost: $40.00
  • If you are interested in purchasing this video, please contact us today for more information. 

What’s Happening NOW?

By Nicole McConnell | South Georgia Treatment Center

It has been an incredible year! OTPG has been an integral part of some amazing things. The most amazing part is that next year is shaping up to look even more exciting. OTPG is gearing up to be on the front lines of creating positive change within our field. Our dedication to quality education and providing quality service will make Georgia the national role model for outstanding methadone maintenance treatment.

OTPG’s 2nd annual fall conference was a huge success! It took place November 13, 2009 at beautiful Lake Lanier.

Exciting news! It was announced at this fall's conference that finally, after three hard years of work on the issue, methadone clinics are no longer required to have a pharmacist present when takehome mediations are being handed to patients. Overcoming this challenge means we are able to provide a better quality of service to our patients and more easily meet their needs. Please go to our website for more information on this.

2009 is coming to a close and the New Year is rapidly approaching. That means it is almost time to renew your OTPG membership. Not a member? Well, trust me when I tell you, that you are going to want to be apart this year. Visit the OTPG website for more details.

Methadone Treatment Awareness Day is going to be March 5th, 2010 at the state capital this year. We need your support: the more providers and the more patients that are present the louder our voice will be!

We look forward to seeing you!

Doctor Please!

By Steve Morgan

Dr. Visits and Methadone: One struggle patients on Methadone Maintenance Therapy or Medication Assisted Therapy experience is the inevitable trip to the doctor (or dentist). When filling out the medical history forms, we all face the dilemma of what to put on the "current medications taken" section of the forms.

Do we tell our regular doctor or dentist about being on methadone?
Many of us have heard varying opinions on the subject.

  • The responsible and healthy answer is YES.

First and foremost, this is your health, and in order for any medical professional to treat you effectively, they must know all the factors of what they are dealing with.

Some have claimed it's best for patients to keep their MMT details to themselves. They fear being treated unfairly or frowned upon. They fear pain issues may not be managed properly. These fears are unfounded, and the possible outcome could be far more dangerous. One very serious outcome could be drug interactions between methadone and other medications that they may have to be prescribed. There are some medicines that could be given that could actually cause one to go into severe opiate withdrawal. If you inform the doctor of your situation, this shouldn't happen.

On the positive side, it's also possible that revealing your MMT to your medical professional could actually help in diagnosing a potential problem. The bottom line is, your doctor needs to know your complete medical history.

Honesty is the best policy.