Opioids
What is Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioids are highly addictive and can be dangerous, particularly as their presence in the illicit drug supply continues to rise within the community. When used without medical supervision, opioids pose significant risks, including life-threatening consequences. Recovery Care recognizes that many individuals begin opioid use for pain management, and over time, increasing tolerance can make it challenging to maintain treatment in a safe and controlled manner. Supporting harm reduction and informed approaches to opioid use is crucial in promoting health and safety.
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a medical condition that affects every aspect of an individual’s life. At Recovery Care, we strive to eliminate the stigma associated with OUD as well as support those experiencing it. Through a variety of medication-based programs, our physicians can curate a plan that meets your specific needs.
Opioid Substitution Treatment Programs (OST)
Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) Maintenance Treatment
As one of the many programs offered at Recovery Care, Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) maintenance treatment aims to support those experiencing opioid use disorder. This program involves the prescription of Suboxone to help alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The medication provides an alternative to the client’s substance of choice, and with time, can be tapered to effectively eliminate the individual’s use.
This program is based on an outpatient harm-reduction model and is personally curated for each client by our experienced physicians. After the initial intake assessment with our nursing team, the physician will create a follow-up schedule and request any laboratory tests required. Most clients are expected to follow up with their physician on a weekly or biweekly basis to ensure continuity of care.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) is most commonly administered as a small sublingual tablet. When it’s time to take your medication, just place the tablet under your tongue and allow it to completely dissolve. While the tablet is dissolving, it is important not to chew or swallow as it may affect the medication’s efficacy.
Research indicates that Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) maintenance treatment is effective in:
- Reducing the use of opioids and other substances
- Reducing mortality and improving life expectancy
- Reducing risk related to injection
- Improving physical and mental health
- Improving social functioning and quality of life
- Suboxone has been clinically proven as safe to consume throughout pregnancy
Methadone Maintenance Treatment
As one of the many programs offered at Recovery Care, Methadone maintenance treatment aims to support those experiencing opioid use disorder. This program involves the prescription of Methadone to help alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The medication provides an alternative to the client’s substance of choice, and with time, can be tapered to effectively eliminate the individual’s use.
This program is based on an outpatient harm reduction model and is personally curated for each client by our experienced physicians. After the initial intake assessment with our nursing team, the physician will create a follow-up schedule and request any laboratory tests required. Most clients are expected to follow up with their physician on a weekly or biweekly basis to ensure continuity of care.
Methadone is most commonly administered as a ready-to-drink solution or as a concentrate that must be mixed with water or juice. Most clients are expected to present to their pharmacy of choice to take their dose of methadone on a daily basis. Take-home doses (carries) are an option and will be prescribed at your physician’s discretion.
Research indicates that Methadone maintenance treatment is effective in:
- Reducing the use of opioids and other substances
- Reducing mortality and improving life expectancy
- Reducing risk related to injection
- Improving physical and mental health
- Improving social functioning and quality of life
- Methadone has been clinically proven as safe to consume throughout pregnancy
Sublocade Maintenance Treatment
Much like other Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) programs, Sublocade maintenance treatment is designed to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Before beginning this program, clients must have been prescribed Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) for approximately seven days. This can be facilitated with one of our experienced physicians during your initial intake assessment.
This program is based on an outpatient harm reduction model and is personally curated for each client by our experienced physicians. After the initial intake assessment with our team, the physician will create a follow-up schedule and request any laboratory tests required. Most clients are expected to follow up with their physician once a month to ensure continuity of care.
Sublocade comes in the form of a pre-filled syringe which is administered by our team of nurses. This injection is administered every four weeks to maintain its effectiveness.
- Only has to be administered once a month
- Reducing the use of opioids and other substances
- Reducing mortality and improving life-expectancy
- Reducing risk related to injection
- Improving physical and mental health
- Improving social functioning and quality of life
