Coastal Horizons is expanding its Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) to include nighttime services, making it only the second program of the kind in the state.
Coastal Horizons has been offering daytime OTP in New Hanover County since October 1991. Currently, they have 619 patients enrolled in our daytime OTP and welcomed 19 patients into the evening OTP in just three days into the new initiative.
“The expansion of our OTP to include evening hours is a significant step forward in our mission to provide comprehensive and accessible care to those struggling with opioid use disorder,” said Ryan Estes, COO of Coastal Horizons, stated. “We understand that our patients have varying schedules and commitments, and we want to ensure that treatment is available to them when they need it. Our goal is to remove barriers and support our community in every way possible.”
Evening dosing hours are from 4 -7 p.m., while morning dosing in New Hanover County is available from 5:30 – 11 a.m. For those seeking to enter treatment, they can visit Coastal Horizons at 615 Shipyard Blvd. in Wilmington between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Coastal Horizons also offers daytime OTP in Brunswick and Pender Counties.
Coastal Horizons’ OTP provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. MAT combines the use of FDA-approved medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, with counseling and behavioral therapies. This comprehensive approach has been shown to improve patient survival, increase retention in treatment, and decrease illicit opioid use among people with substance use disorders.
Increased accessibility allows those with daytime commitments, such as work, school, or childcare responsibilities, to receive treatment, the organization said in a press release. It also ensures enhanced continuity of care, reducing the risk of missed doses and improving overall treatment outcomes.
