Medication treatment for opioid use

Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) uses medication to reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal and lower the risk of overdose.

When this service may help:

Medication treatment for opioid use may help if you:

• Have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using opioids
• Have strong cravings for opioids
• Want to reduce or stop using opioids
• Want to lower your risk of overdose
• Have returned to opioid use after trying to stop
• Want to connect with counselling, peer support or other health services

Treatment may include methadone, buprenorphine or slow-release oral morphine. These medications help prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings.

How to begin:

1. Call to speak with someone about treatment: 1-888-885-8824 | Access Central  
2. Call to request same-day care for opioid addiction: 1-833-804-8111 | Opioid Treatment Access Line

Where to go:

• Find an OAT clinic that is accepting patients
• Rapid Access Addiction Clinic
• Health Connections Clinic at the Comox Valley Nursing Centre