Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic, relapsing condition that has significant personal, public health, and economic consequences. Individuals living with OUD may experience many negative effects such as permanent injury following an opioid poisoning event, disease transmission of blood-borne pathogens, social isolation, structural stigmatization (including from the healthcare system) financial hardship, and impacts on mental well-being.
The first-line treatment for moderate to severe OUD is opioid agonist therapy (OAT), ideally combined with behavioral and social supports to optimize the determinants of health and address other psychosocial factors that influence substance use and quality of life. OAT can stabilize the cycle of intoxication and withdrawal, reduce opioid cravings, and block the intoxicating effects of other opioids. People who are maintained on OAT typically experience significantly improved health and social functioning and a considerable reduction in the risk of overdose and all-cause mortality.
To successfully assist patients in the management of OUD, all members of the care team, including pharmacy professionals, need to understand both the condition as well as the stigmatization and marginalization that people living with OUD face. Pharmacy professionals who participate in treating OUD must contemplate and understand the complex treatments, ethical considerations, logistical requirements, and competencies needed to deliver care safely and effectively.
Provision of Opioid Agonist Therapy Medications Standards of Practice
The following Standards of Practice describe the minimum expectations involved in the provision of Opioid Agonist Therapy medications to treat opioid use disorder and are intended to promote consistency in the provision of the service.