Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment 

Several randomized trials and studies have shown that injectable opioid agonist treatment, provided in dedicated clinics, is safe and effective when treating long-term chronic injecting opioid users when other available treatments have been ineffective. 

In these studies, clients treated with hydromorphone showed improvements in a number of areas, including reductions in illicit heroin and cocaine use, decreased criminal activity, and improvements in physical and mental health. 

IOAT services are provided in collaboration with Fraser Health and Phoenix Society.

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to:

  • Actively engage clients twice a day in a healthcare setting while receiving iOAT with the support of nurses and harm reduction workers

  • Decrease illicit drug use

  • Provide access to evidence-based harm reduction services

  • Provide connections to other community resources

  • Create a sense of community

How it works

Potential client is identified and referred to the iOAT clinic. The client attends appointment and meets with iOAT physician for screening, assessment, and intake

Phoenix Society 

iOAT Clinic 

(604)-504-1791 (Phone) 

(604) 854-1105 (Fax) 

Appointments: 

8:00AM-12:30PM 

Walk in: 1:00PM-4:00PM 

Criteria

Eligibility considerations for injectable opioid agonist treatment include:

  • Well-established history of injection drug use with opioids and severe opioid use disorder

  • 19 years or older

  • Current opioid injection drug use confirmed by patient report, signs of injection drug use, and documented opioid-positive urine drug tests

  • Able to attend clinic up to two times daily and self-administer (i.e. inject via intravenous/intramuscular route) medication under supervision

  • Ability to consent to and fully understand the goals of treatment

  • Significant risk of medical consequences of injection drug use (e.g., HIV positive and antiretroviral non-adherence, acute hepatitis, cardiopulmonary disease, severe mental health challenges, history of multiple overdoses)

  • Past experience with prescribed oral agonist therapies such as Methadone, Suboxone, or slow-release oral Morphine with evidence of regular and ongoing injection opioid use