2024 Update: National Guidelines for the Clinical Management of Opioid Use Disorder

The 2024 update of the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters national guidelines for the clinical management of opioid use disorder has just been Management of opioid use disorder: 2024 update to the national clinical practice guideline | CMAJ!

Check back in 2025 for the 2024 NOG Updates in French!

Given that practices and policies evolve, it is crucial to integrate the latest scientific data to guarantee the best care for people with opioid use disorders (OUD).

These guidelines offer recommendations based on the most recent data and are aimed at health professionals: doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, medical trainers and care managers, whether or not they have a specialized experience in addiction treatment.

Key updates include:

  • Buprenorphine-naloxone and methadone are now recommended as first-line treatments, recognizing both as highly effective options.
  • Slow-release oral morphine remains a second-line treatment.
  • Withdrawal management alone is discouraged; emphasis is placed on long-term treatment for safety and recovery.
  • Psychosocial support is advised but is no longer a prerequisite to accessing opioid agonist therapy.
  • Harm reduction strategies are integral to patient care.
 

Read more and access the full guideline: National Opioid Use Disorder Guideline – CRISM

It is the first major update since 2018 and includes special considerations for certain individuals, reflecting the latest research and lived experience perspectives. With opioid-related deaths continuing to rise, these changes aim to reduce stigma and expand access to life-saving treatments.