A physical examination that focuses on
physical findings related to addiction and
its complications.
Laboratory testing to assess recent opioid
use and to screen for use of other drugs.
Useful tests include a urine drug screen or
other toxicology screen, urine test for
alcohol (ethyl glucuronide), liver enzymes,
serum bilirubin, serum creatinine, as well
as tests for hepatitis B and C and HIV.
Providers should not delay treatment
initiation while awaiting lab results.
to detect unreported use of other
medications, such as sedative-hypnotics or
alcohol, that may interact adversely with
the treatment medications.
Educate the patient about how the medication
works and the associated risks and benefits;
obtain informed consent; and educate on
overdose prevention.
There is potential for relapse & overdose on
discontinuation of the medication. Patients
should be educated about the effects of using
opioids and other drugs while taking the
prescribed medication and the potential for
overdose if opioid use is resumed after tolerance
is lost.
Evaluate the need for medically managed
withdrawal from opioids
Those starting buprenorphine must be in a state
of withdrawal.
Address co-occurring disorders
All medications for the treatment of the opioid use
disorder may be prescribed as part of a
comprehensive individualized treatment plan that
includes counseling and other psychosocial
therapies, as well as social support through
participation in mutual-help programs.
Have an integrated treatment approach to meet
the substance use, medical and mental health, and
social needs of a patient.
Integrate pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic
therapies
Refer patients for higher levels of care, if
necessary
*See The Criteria from American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition,. Washington, DC,
American Psychiatric Association, page 541.
Refer the patient for more intensive or specialized
services if office-based treatment with
buprenorphine or naltrexone is not effective, or the
clinician does not have the resources to meet a
particular patient’s needs. Providers can find
programs in their areas or throughout the United
States by using SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health
Treatment Services Locator at
www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov.
Long acting opioids, such as methadone, require at least 48-72 hours since last use
before initiating buprenorphine.
Short acting opioids (for example, heroin) require approximately 12 hours since last use
for sufficient withdrawal to occur in order to safely initiate treatment. Some opioid such
as fentanyl may require greater than 12 hours.
Clinical presentation should guide this decision as individual presentations will vary.
The
dose of buprenorphine depends on the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and the
history of last opioid use (see flowchart in appendix for dosing advice).