Alpha House Medication Policy

Vitamin and Supplement Guidelines

• Clients may take up to 2 individual vitamins plus 1 multivitamin.

• Vitamin C and/or multivitamins are allowed regardless of other medications.

• Clients on prescription medications must provide a doctor’s letter confirming no contraindications with vitamins, excluding Vitamin C and multivitamins.

Prescription Medication Policy

• Alpha House supports access to a full range of prescribed medications for mental and physical health conditions.

• Medication compliance is essential: clients must take medications as prescribed. Any changes in prescription (dose, timing, etc.) must be communicated by the prescribing physician.

• Medication storage: All medications (OTC and prescription) and vitamins are securely stored in locked staff offices, except emergency medications (inhalers, EpiPens, insulin), which clients may keep on hand.

• Blister Packaging Requirement: Medications must be provided in blister packs for easy dispensing, except for PRN (as-needed) medications, which are not on a scheduled basis.

• Clients have regular access to an on-site/local medical clinic.

Medication for Substance Use Disorder

• Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT): Alpha House supports Methadone, Suboxone (buprenorphine), and Sublocade.

  • Methadone doses above 85 mg require the Executive Director's approval to ensure the client remains alert and able to participate in programming.

  • Methadone carry-home doses are not permitted during program participation; clients must take all doses on-site or at the designated pharmacy.

  • Designated Pharmacy: Clients are required to obtain their OAT medications at Simply Shoppers (or another designated pharmacy) unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director.

  • OAT prescriptions must be transferred to our visiting partner physician during the program.

• Anti-craving and mental health medications: Access is fully supported for clients with concurrent disorders.

Tapering Policy

• Clients are not required to taper off medications to join or remain in the program. Tapering may be supported if recommended by the client’s physician.

Admission Requirements

• Urine Screening: Clients must have a negative urine screen for all substances except prescribed Opiate Replacement Therapy (OAT).

• Abstinence Requirement: Clients are required to be 30 days abstinent from all substances (other than prescribed OAT) prior to admission.

Prohibited Medications

• Cannabinoids (including medicinal/recreational marijuana and prescription forms like Nabilone) are not accepted.

• Non-OAT opiates are not permitted (exceptions: Suboxone, Sublocade, and Toradol for pain management).

• Benzodiazepines and amphetamines require a doctor’s note confirming no misuse or suitable alternatives.

• Kadian (morphine) is not permitted due to screening limitations.

• Pre-workout supplements, steroids, and non-prescribed performance enhancement drugs are prohibited.

• Any medication containing pseudoephedrine or dextromethorphan is prohibited.

• Gravol is prohibited.

Disposal of Medications and Containers

• Empty containers will have personal information removed before disposal.

• Unused medications should be returned to the pharmacy for safe disposal.

Ongoing Urine Screening

• Clients are required to provide at least 1 random urine screen per week.

• Non-negative screens will result in cancellation of services. Alpha House will make every effort to transfer the client to a safe withdrawal program, with the potential to return based on clinical team approval.

Additional Notes

• Clients may bring their own multivitamin if preferred over the one provided by Alpha House.

• Clients are permitted to have gels and creams on their person.

This policy ensures a safe, supportive environment for recovery while respecting individual medical needs.