INTAKE ASSESSMENT
To be admitted to the treatment program, it must be determined if Methadone or Suboxone treatment is right for the patient. An assessment will take place in order to provide the information needed to evaluate the best treatment plan for the patient.
An intake counsellor will conduct a 30-40 minute interview. Patients can expect to be asked questions which cover areas such as: the patient’s present situation, social field, current and past drug use, treatment and medical history, criminal involvement and treatment goals.
To be admitted to the program, the patient is required to leave a urine sample for drug testing and sign several contract agreements. A lab requisitions is given to complete necessary blood work.
In order for doctors and intake councellors to offer you the right course of treatment, it is best for the patient to answer all questions as honestly as possible.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
After the assessment, a medical examination is conducted by one of our physicians to ensure there are physiological signs of opiate abuse. All of our physicians are authorized by the B.C. College of Physicians Methadone Program to treat opiate addiction. If the patient is deemed appropriate for the program he/she is registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons to commence treatment.
URINE SAMPLES
As part of the assessment process, your first urine sample will be tested to assist in identifying you as opioid dependent.
Once you begin treatment, urine samples will be taken regularly and tested for the presence of a variety of drugs, such as opioids, cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
The urine test will show if you have been taking your methadone, as well as indicating whether you have been using other drugs. Urine test results allow treatment providers to evaluate if there are signs of continued struggle with drug use, and indicate your progress in treatment.