When you first start Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT), daily visits to the clinic are a crucial part of ensuring your safety and finding the right dose. But juggling those visits with work, family, and life can be challenging. You might wonder, “Will I have to come here every single day forever?”
TL;DR:
You will not need to continue visiting treatment centres every day forever. As you become more stable in your recovery, you can earn the privilege of take-home doses, often called “carries.” This guide explains what carries are, how they work in Ontario, and how our patient-centred approach at Arrow Medical helps you gain more independence on your recovery journey.
A take-home dose, or “carry,” is a dose of your medication (like methadone or Kadian) that you are allowed to take home with you to consume on a day you don’t visit the clinic. Instead of coming in for “witnessed dosing” every day, you might come in a few times a week and pick up your carries for the other days.
What is a “Carry”? A carry is a pre-packaged, prescribed dose of your OAT medication that you take home from the clinic. It allows you to take your medication without daily supervision, giving you more freedom.
Earning carries is a major milestone in recovery. It represents the trust you’ve built with your medical team and the stability you’ve achieved in your life. It’s a transition from needing daily support to managing your treatment more independently.
Gaining take-home doses can have a profound impact on your quality of life. The benefits go far beyond simple convenience.
In Ontario, eligibility for take-home doses is guided by clinical best practices and provincial guidelines. However, at Arrow Medical, the decision is always a collaborative one made between you and your doctor. It’s not a rigid formula but a conversation about your overall stability.
Here are the key factors your doctor will consider:
If you and your doctor agree that you’re ready to start earning carries, the process is gradual. You won’t go from seven daily visits to one weekly visit overnight.
Our goal is to support you in a way that promotes both safety and independence.
Q: How long does it take to get methadone carries in Ontario?
There’s no set timeline. It depends on your individual progress and stability. Some people may be ready for their first carry within a few visits, while for others it might take longer. The focus is on being ready and safe, not on the clock.
Q: Can I lose my take-home doses?
Yes, carries are a privilege based on trust and safety. If there are concerns about your stability—for instance, if you start using other substances or there are issues with your medication—your doctor may need to temporarily reduce your carries. This is a safety measure designed to help you get back on track.
Q: Do Suboxone patients get take-home doses faster?
Suboxone has a different risk profile than methadone, and the guidelines for it are more flexible. Patients on Suboxone may be eligible for take-home doses sooner, but the core principles of stability and trust still apply. We also offer Sublocade, a monthly injection that eliminates the need for daily doses altogether.
Q: What if I have questions about my carries?
Your medical team is always here for you. If you have any questions or concerns about your carries, your dose, or how you’re feeling, please talk to us. You can walk into any Arrow Medical clinic to speak with our team.
Your journey to greater independence starts with a conversation. Walk into any Arrow Medical clinic today—no appointment required—and talk to our team about your recovery goals.
