Safe opioid supply programs, also called risk mitigation prescribing, offer a different approach to addiction treatment. Arrow Medical is proud to provide Dilaudid programs alongside traditional treatments like methadone and Suboxone.
What is Safe Opioid Supply?
Safe opioid supply provides pharmaceutical-grade opioids to people at high risk from street drugs. This harm reduction approach recognizes that some people aren’t ready for traditional addiction treatment but still deserve safety and support.
Also known as:
- Risk mitigation prescribing
- Hydromorphone programs
- Dilaudid programs
How Safe Opioid Supply Works
Instead of buying dangerous street drugs, qualified patients receive clean, measured doses of pharmaceutical opioids. This reduces risks from:
- Contaminated street drugs
- Unknown drug strength
- Sharing needles
- Criminal activity to buy drugs
Who Might Benefit from Dilaudid Programs?
Safe opioid supply isn’t for everyone. Our doctors consider it for people who:
- Tried other treatments without success
- Are at high risk from street drug use
- Overdosed from opioids previously
- Have previous emergency room visits or hospitalizations related to opioid use
- Face barriers to traditional treatment
- Need immediate harm reduction
The Assessment Process
Entering a Dilaudid program requires careful assessment. Our addiction medicine doctors will discuss the following:
- Your substance use history
- Previous treatment attempts
- Current health status
- Risk factors for overdose
- Your treatment goals
What Makes Arrow Medical Different
Many addiction treatment centres in Ontario don’t offer safe opioid supply. At Arrow Medical, we believe in meeting people where they are. We’re one of the few clinics providing this service across multiple locations.
Our harm reduction focus means we offer:
- Judgment-free care
- Evidence-based treatments
- Patient-centred approach
- Comprehensive health services
Safe Opioid Supply vs. Traditional Treatment
This isn’t a replacement for addiction treatment—it’s harm reduction. At Arrow Medical, Safe Opioid Supply is used in addition to methadone, suboxone, and/or Kadian. Many people use safe supply temporarily as a bridge to long-term maintenance therapy with methadone, Suboxone, or Kadian.
Some people may stay on a safe supply long-term if it keeps them more stable.
Other Services We Provide Alongside Safe Supply
Arrow Medical offers comprehensive care, including:
- Hepatitis C treatment
- Mental health support
- Help accessing social services
- Connection to community resources
Locations Offering Dilaudid Programs
Arrow Medical provides safe opioid supply at our clinics in:
- Toronto (3 locations)
- Barrie (2 locations)
- Bancroft
- Crystal Beach
Common Questions About Safe Opioid Supply
Is this just giving drugs to drug users? No. This is a medical treatment that reduces harm and saves lives. Research shows it reduces overdoses, infections, and crime.
Can I work while on safe supply? Many people maintain jobs and housing better when they have access to safe, predictable medication.
Will I be stuck on this forever? Not necessarily. Many people transition to other treatments when they’re ready. Others stay on safe supply long-term.
Getting More Information
Are you curious about whether safe opioid supply might help you? Our team can explain the program and assess if you qualify.
Walk into any Arrow Medical location – no appointment needed. We’ll discuss all your addiction treatment options and help you make the best choice for your situation.
Call us today to learn more about our comprehensive addiction treatment services.