Resource Center: Logistics of buprenorphine treatment, 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.