SAMHSA Issues Guidance on Using Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration yesterday issued guidance for health care and addiction professionals using methadone, naltrexone or buprenorphine to treat patients with opioid use disorder. Mandated by the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, the guidance offers appropriate prescribing practices and strategies for supporting patients. It also educates patients, families and the general public about the medications. “We know that people can and do recover from opioid use disorders when they receive appropriate treatment, and medication-assisted treatment’s success in treating opioid use disorders is well documented,” said Elinore McCance-Katz, M.D., assistant secretary for mental health and substance use at the Department of Health and Human Services. For an AHA toolkit and other resources to help hospitals and health systems tackle the opioid crisis, visit www.aha.org/opioidtoolkit.