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TREATMENT OVERVIEW
After the assessment, the clinician will discuss all recommended
treatment options with the patient. Every patient situation
is different, so choosing the best options is a shared decision
between the patient and the clinician.
There are three main choices for medication to treat opioid
addiction: methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. These
medications are used along with counseling and other support.
Treatment can occur in several different places or settings
depending on the medication used, the patient's situation and
other factors. Four broad treatment settings should be considered:
ASAM Level 1 (outpatient), ASAM Level 2 (intensive outpatient
or partial hospitalization), and ASAM Levels 3 and 4 (residential
addiction treatment or hospital settings). It's important to
discuss the many different treatment settings with the clinician to
determine which is most appropriate.
Treatment Plan
• After discussing the assessment and treatment choices with
the clinician, including the ASAM Level of Care, it's time to
finish the treatment plan.
• It is common for both the patient and clinician to sign an
agreement about what to expect during treatment. This
can include: treatment goals, which medications are used,
treatment schedule, and counseling plan.
• The treatment plan will also include:
• Regular visits to the treatment center/clinician
• Medications: usually methadone,
buprenorphine or naltrexone
• Patient commitment to cooperate with treatment
• Risks of relapse and other safety concerns.
