Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

Treatment Options and Goals

  • There are many types of treatment for opioid addiction. These include but are not limited to:
  • Detoxification
  • Naltrexone
  • Buprenorphine
  • MMT and
  • Other opioid substitution therapies.

 

  • Treatment goals may include:
  • Reduction in the individual’s dependence on opioids and associated harms
  • Decrease in morbidity and mortality rates
  • Reduction in infectious disease transmission rates
  • Improvement in physical and mental health
  • Reduction in criminal behaviour and activity; and
  • Facilitation of successful reintegration into the community as determined by employment status, education, housing and social functioning (Weekes et al., 2007).

 

  • All treatment must remain client centered. The nurse and other health-care providers must work with each client to establish personal short and long-term goals based on their unique and specific needs, values, beliefs and preferences.
Addiction and Mental Health
Supporting Clients on Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Point of Care Resources