Resource Center: General information - buprenorphine, Treatment Algorithm

This article provides guidance on the management and treatment of acute pain in patients receiving buprenorphine/naloxone.

The ASAM Patient Placement Criteria for the Treatment of Substance-Related Disorders, Second Edition-Revised (Mee-Lee et al. 2001) lists the 5 basic levels of care available for adult substance users. These levels of care range from Early Intervention (for at-risk individuals) to Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient Treatment (for patients with severe disorders who require around-the-clock care). The Patient Placement Criteria classifies opioid maintenance therapy as a Level I treatment since it is most often conducted in outpatient settings.

This document discusses the evidence for buprenorphine treatment of opioid dependent adolescents and young adults. It provides treatment recommendations, and highlights special issues that should be considered when treating this special population.