Completion of Treatment for Opioid Addiction Using Opioid Agonist Therapy.

Dr Ivor Orukpe, Dr. Imran Ghauri, Dr J Stryder Zobell

Panel 5 – Healthcare Stream Recovery Oriented Medicine

September 24th Day Two – Macleod Hall C& D South Building 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Completion of Treatment for Opioid Addiction Using Opioid Agonist Therapy.

Dr Ivor Orukpe

Session Description

Opioid agonist therapy (OAT), utilizing medications such as methadone, buprenorphine-naloxone, and extended-release buprenorphine, is a cornerstone in the management of opioid use disorder (OUD). OAT has proven effective in reducing illicit opioid use, overdose risk, and associated harms.

This abstract explores the concept of treatment completion within OAT, addressing its complexity given the chronic nature of addiction. While traditional models focus on abstinence and program discharge as measures of success or recovery, contemporary frameworks emphasize long-term maintenance, improved quality of life, and reduced relapse as critical outcomes. Methadone and Suboxone have demonstrated efficacy in stabilizing patients and reducing cravings, but challenges such as stigma, accessibility, adherence, and individual treatment goals complicate recovery trajectories.

Extended-release buprenorphine, with its monthly injectable formulation, shows promise in enhancing adherence and sustained opioid blockade, supporting longer-term treatment retention and facilitating transitions to recovery or medication tapering. Treatment completion requires a personalized, multidisciplinary approach integrating medical, psychological, and social support systems. Endpoints of therapy vary significantly between individuals and must align with patient recovery goals, stability, and readiness for change. Importantly, tapering or ceasing OAT should be patient-centered, cautiously managed, and supported by robust aftercare planning to mitigate relapse risk. Ultimately, treatment completion in OAT represents a dynamic, individualized process rather than a uniform milestone

Learning Objectives

The abstract outlines several key objectives related to the completion of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Here’s a summary of the objectives:

  • Explore the Concept of Treatment Completion: Understand the nuanced and dynamic nature of what constitutes “treatment completion” in OAT, acknowledging that it varies across.
  • Evaluate Traditional vs. Contemporary Metrics: Compare traditional models focusing on abstinence and program discharge with modern frameworks emphasizing long-term maintenance, quality of life, and relapse prevention.
  • Highlight Medication Efficacy: Analyze the effectiveness of OAT medications like methadone, buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone), and extended-release buprenorphine (Sublocade) in reducing cravings, illicit opioid use, and overdose risk.
  • Address Challenges in OAT: Investigate barriers such as stigma, accessibility, adherence, and alignment with patient-specific recovery goals.
  • Assess the Role of Extended- release Buprenorphine: Examine the advantages of extended- release buprenorphine’s monthly injectable formulation, particularly in enhancing adherence, sustaining opioid blockade, and aiding recovery transitions.
  • Emphasize a Multidisciplinary Approach: Advocate for integrated treatment strategies combining medical, psychological, and social support systems tailored to individual needs.
  • Support Patient-Centered Care: Highlight the importance of personalized recovery goals, readiness for change, and cautious tapering of OAT medications, backed by robust aftercare planning.
  • Define Treatment Completion as a Dynamic Process: Reinforce that successful outcomes in OAT are individualized milestones rather than uniform endpoints.

Other Panel Members

Join us for the Alberta Recovery Summit, hosted by the 9th Annual Recovery Capital Conference taking place on September 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2025.

 Session Streams

  • Health Care and Recovery
  • Indigenous Health
  • Occupational Health and Safety

 Key Details

  • DAY ONE September 23rd – 5:30 pm 6:30: Early Badge Pick Up and Networking Reception, 6:30 pm to 8 pm Pre Conference Presentation
  • DAY TWO September 24th – 8:45 am to 5 pm: Keynote Speakers and Breakout Sessions
  • DAY THREE September 25th – 9 am to 5 pm: Keynote Speakers and Breakout Sessions

 Hotels

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