Opioid Replacement Therapy Program

If you need help with your opioid addiction, call 1-888-299-8399 toll free for the Opioid Replacement Therapy Program. Your family physician, addiction counsellor, or other health professional may also call on your behalf. 

What is methadone and suboxone, and how do they work?

Methadone and suboxone are effective and legal substitutes for opioid drugs such as heroin, codeine, morphine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone. They eliminate or reduce cravings, without causing a person to get high. If you are dependent on opioid drugs, you can take methadone or suboxone to help stabilize your life and reduce the harm related to your drug use. 

Is opioid replacement therapy right for you? 

If you’ve been using opioid drugs for at least a year, and you’ve come to the point where you know you can’t go on using, but can’t seem to stop, opioid replacement therapy may be right for you.

What if I am pregnant, is opioid replacement therapy safe for my baby?

If you are pregnant and opioid-dependent, opioid replacement therapy using methadone or suboxone has been shown to improve pregnancy care and have better outcomes for the baby (ie. higher birth weight).

Opioid replacement therapy using methadone or suboxone helps the mother and baby by:

• stabilizing moms drug use and lifestyle;
• promoting better pregnancy care for both mom and baby; and
• reducing the risk of blood-borne infections, including Hepatitis C and HIV.

Some babies born to mothers on methadone or suboxone will go through neonatal abstinence syndrome after birth. This usually begins when the baby is a few days old, but symptoms could arise as late as two to four weeks after birth and may last several weeks or months. Infants going through withdrawal must be closely cared for by a trained health care team in hospital.

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience and there are supports to help you. For more information about the Opioid Replacement Therapy Program call 1-888-299-8399.

How do I access the program?

There are several criteria for admission to the program, but the first step is for you to call 1-888-299-8399 to make an appointment to be screened by clinical staff. Your family physician, addiction counsellor, or other health professional may also call on your behalf. The Opioid Replacement Therapy Program is a provincial service with clinics available in Montague, Charlottetown and Summerside. 

How long will I have to stay on methadone or suboxone?

There is no exact length of time you will have to stay on methadone or suboxone. The program is a long-term treatment, with most people staying on it for years.

Will I have to go to therapy and counseling?

Therapy is an important part of your treatment. There is an expectation that you attend a support group through the program once a week for the first 12 weeks. Other individual or group therapy or counseling may be recommended. 

Is there a cost for the program?

All services are covered if you hold a PEI Health Card issued under the PEI Hospital and Medical Services Plan.

Is there a wait time to get into program?

There is generally a wait time to get into the program. Depending on your situation, there may be no wait time if it is medically urgent.

Who can I contact about the Opioid Replacement Therapy Program?

Provincial Addictions Treatment Facility
2814 Rte 215
Mount Herbert
Charlottetown, PE   C1A 7N8

Telephone:  (902) 368-4120 
Toll-free:  1-888-299-8399
Fax:  (902) 368-6229