Provides initiation and maintenance of Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) medications and Designated Narcotic Drugs to people with opioid use disorder and helps them access services they need to live healthy lives.Provides initiation and maintenance of Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) medications and Designated Narcotic Drugs to people with opioid use disorder and helps them access services they need to live healthy lives.Opioid Agonist Treatment medications (ie. methadone, Suboxone®) are provided in all locations, Designated Narcotic Drugs (ie. hydromorphone) are provided in Narcotic Transition Services (NTS) locations. Patients are stabilized on medications under close medical supervision and evaluation of response to medication.
When they are properly prescribed and dispensed, a person on most of the OAT medication is able to function normally with no drowsiness and no withdrawal symptoms. In situations when a most of the OAT medications have not been effective in managing a person's opioid use disorder, Designated Narcotic Drugs can be used in the clinics that provide NTS.
Services available may include:
- ongoing support and monitoring (e.g. prescription management, medical follow up, urine testing, counselling and treatment planning)
- health, safety and risk reduction teaching and management
- source of information and expertise for community stakeholders on Opioid Agonist Treatment and the medications used
- links to community pharmacists
- links to other addictions treatment services
- links to other social and health support systems
- hepatitis and HIV screening
- Narcotic Transition Services (available at Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat)
Services are voluntary and confidential.
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