ASAM Pocket Guidelines and Patient Guide

ASAM Opioid Patient Piece

ASAM Opioid Addiction Treatment GUIDELINES Apps and Pocket Guides brought to you courtesy of Guideline Central. Enjoy!

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© 2016 American Society of Addiction Medicine. All rights reserved. ASAM.org 8 • Some people have special situations, such as pregnancy, mental health issues, pain, or they are in the criminal justice system. They should work with their clinician to find the right medication for their situation. • Adolescents and their caregivers should also discuss medication options with their clinicians. Methadone • Methadone acts as an opioid in the brain to reduce the desire to use the problem drug. The patient taking methadone feels normal (not high), and withdrawal does not occur. Methadone can also reduce cravings. • Methadone can be safely started at the beginning of withdrawal. • Methadone comes in a pill form, as a liquid, and a wafer. It is taken once per day, but over time the dosing may change. • People who are in stable recovery may be provided a supply of medication to take at home. Buprenorphine • Buprenorphine also acts as an opioid in the brain to reduce the desire to use the problem drug, which helps the patient avoid withdrawal symptoms. It reduces powerful desires for opioids or cravings. • Buprenorphine comes as tablets and as film. Many versions of this medication are combined with naloxone to prevent possible misuse – when misused (injected, snorted, or other) it can bring on unwanted withdrawal symptoms. Learn more about naloxone on page 10. • Patients should wait until they are experiencing mild to moderate opioid withdrawal before taking the first dose of buprenorphine. • Insurance coverage and price may help determine which form should be chosen. The clinician will make sure the patient has a dosage and form that meets his/her medical needs. • This medication is taken once per day. The dosage taken per day may be adjusted over time. • Not all clinicians can prescribe buprenorphine, so it is important to find an approved clinician who is able to prescribe this medication.

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