Buprenorphine

The "Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000" creates the long-awaited opportunity to expand treatment for opioid dependence into the mainstream of medical practice, increase the number of persons treated and have an important positive public health impact. The legislation specifies several ways in which physicians can be considered "qualified" to prescribe and dispense buprenorphine in their offices for the treatment of opioid dependence. Some will need to complete training prior to notifying the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) of their intention to begin prescribing buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence.

For more information on buprenorphine, visit the SAMSHA website.

There are five organizations designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide such training for physicians to dispense buprenorphine in office practice for treatment of opioid dependence. These organizations include:

1. The American Association of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP)
2. American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
3. Institute for Professional Development in the Addictions
4. American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine
5. American Psychiatric Association

Being treated with this medication in the doctor's office means that:

• Treatment can be at a more convenient time
• People will be able to feel they no longer need the drug they were dependent on
• Treatment can be kept private

Patient Eligibility

Young men and women under the age of 21 with opioid dependence are candidates for the ASAP Suboxone program, if they meet the following conditions:

• Interest in discontinuing opioids
• Willingness to make a lifestyle change that includes discontinuing all alcohol and illicit drug use.
• Parent or guardian available to store and distribute medication

The ASAP Suboxone program consists of several components, including:

• Suboxone induction
• Medication management
• Random drug testing
• Individual counseling
• Individualized parent support

Click here to see a copy of our Agreement for Treatment with Suboxone

For more information, please call ASAP at (617) 355-2727.

300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 617-355-5433 617-730-0049 (fax) ceasar@childrens.harvard.edu