Getting Started
Accessing Opioid Assisted Treatment with Direction 180
What you need to know
Admission into Direction 180 is based on priority criteria, not on a first come first serve basis. Self-referrals and referrals from health professionals, community, and government agencies are accepted.
What is Opioids or Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioid Use Disorder is defined by multiple signs, symptoms and behaviors that indicate a person is both physically and psychologically dependent on opioids (CAMH, 2019).
…
Treatment Options
For opioid addiction, opioid assisted treatment is the gold standard of treatment. This means a person is prescribed buprenorphine or methadone. When combined with counselling and other social and community supports, opioid replacement therapy is a very effective, medically recognized treatment for opioid addiction.
…
Admission Process
Before you begin methadone/buprenorphine, it must be decided which treatment option is right for you. The intake coordinator and physician will need to take some time with you to complete an admission assessment that will give your treatment provider the information they need to get you started. This helps us determine your course of treatment.
…
Hosting and Transferring Treatment
If you are visiting the Halifax and area from out of province or internationally, and require a Nova Scotia prescription for your treatment, Direction 180 can take you on as a temporary client and provide a valid prescription until you return home.
…