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Opioids Addiction Treatment

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Understanding Opioid Addiction

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine), illegal substances (heroin), and extremely potent synthetics (fentanyl, carfentanil). They bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and producing intense euphoria. Canada is in the midst of an opioid crisis, with over 7,000 apparent opioid toxicity deaths in 2022 alone—a 139% increase since 2016.

The crisis has been driven primarily by illicit fentanyl contaminating the drug supply. Fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, and even small amounts can be lethal. Many overdose victims didn't know they were consuming fentanyl—it's often mixed into heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills without users' knowledge.

Extreme Overdose Risk

Opioids suppress respiratory function. Overdose causes breathing to slow or stop, leading to death within minutes. Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse overdoses if administered quickly. Always call 911.

Warning Signs

  • • Taking larger doses than prescribed
  • • "Doctor shopping" for multiple prescriptions
  • • Drowsiness, confusion, constricted pupils
  • • Withdrawal symptoms between doses
  • • Using despite health/social consequences

Medication-Assisted Treatment Works

FDA-approved medications (buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone) reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Research shows MAT reduces overdose deaths by 50% and improves treatment retention.

Canada's Opioid Crisis

According to Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada:

  • 7,328 apparent opioid toxicity deaths occurred in Canada in 2022
  • 96% of deaths in 2022 involved fentanyl or fentanyl analogues
  • 22 Canadians die daily from opioid-related overdoses
  • 139% increase in opioid deaths between 2016-2022
  • Males aged 20-59 represent the majority of overdose deaths

Source: Health Canada Opioid and Stimulant-related Harms in Canada (March 2023)

Evidence-Based Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the gold standard for opioid use disorder, combining FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy. SAMHSA research shows MAT reduces mortality risk by 50% compared to detox alone, and significantly improves treatment retention and quality of life.

1

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder:

  • Buprenorphine (Suboxone): Partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings without producing significant euphoria. Available as sublingual film, tablet, or monthly injection (Sublocade).
  • Methadone: Full opioid agonist dispensed daily at specialized clinics. Reduces overdose risk by 50-75%.
  • Naltrexone (Vivitrol): Opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors. Monthly injection prevents relapse but requires 7-10 days opioid-free before starting.
2

Medical Detoxification

While opioid withdrawal is not life-threatening (unlike alcohol), symptoms are extremely uncomfortable. Medical management with comfort medications and buprenorphine significantly reduces discomfort and improves transition to ongoing MAT.

3

Behavioral Therapies

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Contingency Management combined with MAT achieve treatment retention rates exceeding 80%.

4

Harm Reduction & Naloxone Access

Naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray reverses opioid overdoses within minutes. Available without prescription at Canadian pharmacies. Everyone should carry naloxone.

Treatment Duration: Individual Approach Required

The goal of MAT is stabilization and recovery—not lifelong medication dependence. Treatment duration should be individualized based on severity, support systems, co-occurring conditions, and patient goals.

Research shows two paths can work:

  • Extended maintenance (12+ months): Recommended for severe addiction, previous overdoses, unstable housing, or limited support. Reduces overdose risk by 50% while building recovery foundation.
  • Medically supervised taper (4+ weeks): Research shows 50% achieve successful medication-free recovery with proper tapering protocol, transition to naltrexone, and ongoing behavioral therapy. Best for lower severity, strong support systems, and patient preference for medication-free recovery.

Critical: Never stop MAT abruptly. Work with your treatment team to develop an individualized plan. Both extended maintenance and planned tapering are evidence-based approaches when implemented properly.

Sources & References

1. Statistics Canada. Opioid-Related Harms in Canada. 2024.statcan.gc.ca

2. Health Canada & Public Health Agency of Canada. Opioid and Stimulant-Related Harms. 2024.health-infobase.canada.ca

3. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Opioid Overdose Crisis. 2024.

4. Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM). National Guideline for the Clinical Management of Opioid Use Disorder. 2023.

5. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Opioid Addiction Treatment. 2024.

6. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). 2024.

7. Lancet Public Health. Effectiveness of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. 2023.

Get Help for Opioid Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, help is available 24/7. Medication-Assisted Treatment is proven to save lives and support long-term recovery.

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Medically Reviewed By

Michael Leach, CCMA

ISSUP Certified | Nearly a decade of experience in addiction treatment and recovery services

View Full CredentialsLast Reviewed: February 2026

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.

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