A client has been unable to stop taking opioid medication months after being discharged from their medical treatment. Which facility should the client visit?

• A. An emergency medical center
• B. A specialist clinic
• C. A public health department
• D. A family medicine clinic

Answer: (B)

Managing chronic opioid dependence requires ongoing, specialized care. A specialist clinic focuses on substance use disorders and addiction medicine, offering medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and coordinated care tailored to opioid dependence. This setting can initiate or adjust treatments such as buprenorphine or methadone, help manage withdrawal and cravings, monitor side effects, and provide relapse-prevention support along with mental health services. It also coordinates with social services when needed.

An emergency medical center handles acute crises, not long-term management. A public health department works on population-level prevention and programs rather than individual treatment plans. A family medicine clinic provides general primary care and can refer to specialists, but may not offer the focused addiction treatment programs and medications available at a dedicated specialist clinic.

So, for someone months after discharge who cannot stop opioid use, a specialist clinic is the most appropriate next step.