Opiate Agonist Therapy (OAT)

Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms while having a "ceiling effect," which lowers the risk of overdose.

• Benefits: Lower risk of respiratory depression compared to full agonists, can often be taken at home without daily pharmacy visits.
• Considerations: Requires a short period of abstinence before initiation to avoid precipitated withdrawal. However, our physicians at ICDO are experienced in microdosing protocols as an alternative induction method, which allows for a gradual transition to Suboxone without requiring full abstinence beforehand.

Sublocade is a once-monthly injectable form of buprenorphine, offering a long-acting, steady level of medication without the need for daily dosing.

• Benefits: Reduces the need for frequent visits to the pharmacy, provides consistent blood levels of medication to help prevent cravings.
• Considerations: Must be administered by a healthcare provider and is typically recommended for individuals who have already stabilized on suboxone.

Methadone is a full opioid agonist that has been used for decades to treat opioid dependence. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, preventing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without causing the same euphoric effects as short-acting opioids.

• Benefits: Long-acting relief from withdrawal, daily oral dosing, and structured treatment approach.
• Considerations: Requires supervised dispensing at a pharmacy, with potential for takehome doses as stability in treatment is achieved.

Kadian is an alternative for individuals who may be intolerant to or unable to achieve stability with methadone. As a long-acting opioid, it provides extended symptom relief and is taken once daily.

• Benefits: Suitable for individuals who experience side effects with methadone, offers a sustained release for stable management.
• Considerations: Requires supervised dispensing at a pharmacy, with potential for takehome doses as stability in treatment is achieved.