Being in recovery and on a treatment like methadone or Suboxone means you are taking a powerful step to reclaim your life. A big part of living a full life is the ability to travel—whether it’s for a family wedding, a vacation, or a work trip.
TL;DR:
A common question we hear at our clinics is, “Can I travel while on my treatment?” The answer is a resounding yes! With proper planning and communication with your medical team at Arrow Medical, you can travel safely without interrupting your treatment. This guide will walk you through the process.
You cannot decide to go on a trip tomorrow and expect your medication to be ready. Arranging for travel doses takes time, paperwork, and coordination.
You must speak to your doctor or the clinic staff at least 2-4 weeks before you plan to travel.
This gives us enough time to assess your situation and make the necessary arrangements, whether it’s providing extra carries or coordinating with another clinic. Last-minute requests are very difficult, and often impossible, to accommodate.
If you are stable in your treatment and have already earned take-home privileges, this is often the simplest option, especially for shorter trips.
How it Works:
This option is typically best for:
Read our artical on Take-Home Doses to learn more.
For longer trips, or if you are not yet eligible for a large number of carries, guest dosing is the standard procedure.
What is Guest Dosing? Guest dosing is a formal arrangement where your home clinic (Arrow Medical) coordinates with a licensed OAT clinic in the city you are visiting. We send them your prescription and relevant medical information, and you pick up your daily dose from them during your trip.
The Process:
Guest dosing requires significant coordination, which is why giving us several weeks of notice is so important.
Travelling outside of Canada with methadone or Suboxone is much more complicated and requires even more advanced planning.
International travel is not always possible, depending on the destination. It is crucial to research this months in advance.
Q: Can I just take extra medication from a friend or the street while I’m away?
Absolutely not. This is incredibly dangerous and could lead to a fatal overdose. The street supply is unpredictable, and taking medication that isn’t prescribed for you can have devastating consequences. The only safe way to travel is with medication arranged through your clinic.
Q: What if there is no clinic where I’m going?
This can be a challenge, especially for travel to more remote areas. In some cases, it may mean that travel to that specific destination is not possible without interrupting your treatment. We will do our best to coordinate your carries if this is the case, but may not always be possible. This is another reason why planning far in advance is so important—it gives you time to change your plans if needed.
Q: How much does guest dosing cost?
The fees for guest dosing are set by the host clinic and can vary widely, from a small administrative fee to a more significant daily or weekly charge. We will do our best to find out this information for you, but you should be prepared for a potential cost.
Q: What do I need to bring to a guest dosing clinic?
You will need to bring a valid photo ID. It’s also a good idea to have the phone number of your home clinic (Arrow Medical) with you in case there are any issues.
Your recovery is about getting your life back, and that includes the freedom to travel. By working together and planning ahead, we can make sure you do it safely. Talk to the team at your Arrow Medical clinic about your travel plans today.
