Governor's Institute
Governor's Institute
S5 E1 Opioid Treatment Programs In North Carolina
S5 E1 Opioid Treatment Programs In North Carolina
S5 E1 Opioid Treatment Programs In North Carolina
Monday 7th July 2025
Explore Opioid Treatment Programs in NC with Amy Johnson and Anna Stanley as they tackle stigma, policy changes, and innovative solutions.
19 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Supportive
Educational
About this podcast
Author:
Governor's Institute
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Body & Mind
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Episodes:
21 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Breaking Barriers: Opioid Treatment Programs in North Carolina
Episode Overview
- Opioid Treatment Programs provide methadone and other medications.
- Stigma is a major barrier to accessing treatment.
- COVID-19 led to regulatory changes improving access.
- Mobile units expand reach of treatment services.
- Medicaid expansion supports funding for opioid use disorder treatment.
"Methadone and buprenorphine actually stabilize brain chemistry and support recovery"
In this episode of the Addiction Medicine Podcast, Amy Johnson takes you on a journey through the landscape of Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) in North Carolina. Joined by Anna Stanley, the State Opioid Treatment Authority Administrator, they unpack what OTPs really are and how they function. You might be surprised to learn that these state and federally licensed facilities are the only places where patients can receive methadone for opioid use disorder.
Anna shares how OTPs have evolved, especially post-COVID-19, with a significant increase in facilities and the adoption of mobile medication units. These innovations aim to tackle barriers like stigma and transportation that hinder access to treatment. The episode doesn't shy away from discussing the stigma surrounding opioid treatment, breaking down misconceptions about addiction and medication-assisted treatments like methadone and buprenorphine. They explore how stigma impacts access and what steps are being taken to change public perception.
You'll hear about innovative strategies like using opioid settlement funding for transportation solutions and policy shifts that have made accessing treatment easier. Anna also highlights how Medicaid expansion has played a crucial role in funding treatment, ensuring more North Carolinians can access life-saving medications. This episode is a blend of education, policy insights, and heartfelt hope for the future of opioid treatment in North Carolina.
If you're curious about how these programs are changing lives or want to understand the challenges and triumphs in the fight against opioid addiction, this conversation offers valuable perspectives. Why not give it a listen and see how these efforts might inspire change in your own community?