Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT)
Related topics: Mental health and substance use Substance use Substance use treatment and recovery
Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT), also called OAT therapy, is a range of life-saving medications that prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of overdose. It is the recommended first-line treatment for people with opioid use disorder.
How to access OAT
If you would like help accessing OAT, contact Lighthouse Virtual Substance Use Care Clinic. Lighthouse is a free virtual clinic that uses telephone appointments to provide medical treatment and short-term stabilization for people who use substances.
OAT locations accepting new clients
The B.C. Centre on Substance Use maintains the provincial list of OAT clinics accepting new clients, including all locations in the Vancouver Coastal Health region. This list is updated frequently.
Treatment and recovery care
Treatment and recovery can involve many different services depending on a person’s goals and preferences. Services include support groups, one-on-one counselling, medications such at Opioid Agonist Treatment, and bed-based treatment or supportive recovery programs. People often access more than one type of service, and will find what works for them throughout their recovery journey.
Don’t know where to start or what might be right for you?
Call Access Central today and speak with an expert who can help you decide.
Resources
-
-
About OAT and the Opioid Treatment Access Line (View)
-
Medications to treat opioid disorder
-
-
-
OAT training opportunities
The Vancouver Coastal Health Regional Addiction Program (VCH RAP) and BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) are committed to building capacity amongst care providers to support patients who use substances. We are currently funding select care providers for their time in completing various training opportunities.
-
Substance use and harm reduction resources for health professionals and service providers
Access more resources for substance use and harm reduction.
-
Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise (RACE)
-
24/7 Addiction Medicine Clinician Support Line – BCCSU
-