# How intake works at an opioid treatment service

Intake usually means an assessment interview, a medical exam with lab tests, and a treatment plan before your first dose, and most services accept self-referrals, so you can phone them directly.

Updated 2026-10-07. Also on the [web page](https://opioidtreatment.fyi/guides/how-intake-works).

Intake usually means an assessment interview, a medical exam with lab tests, and a treatment plan before your first dose, and most services accept self-referrals, so you can phone them directly.

## Step one: first contact

Phone the service. Say you want help with opioid use and ask how intake works there. The Ontario health directory describes a typical CATC programme: an initial intake interview, a medical exam with lab tests where appropriate, supervised urine testing, and a signed treatment contract with a plan. Details differ by service, so treat that list as an example, not a promise.

## Step two: the assessment

A worker asks about your drug use history, your health, your mental health and your living situation. Answer honestly. The plan depends on it. In Auckland, CADS says you can visit one of its units to make an initial connection and arrange an appointment, or phone 0800 845 1818 first.

## Step three: the medical exam

A doctor checks your health and may order blood tests. This sets a safe starting dose. Tell the doctor every medicine you take, including painkillers, sleeping tablets and over-the-counter drugs. Interactions matter with methadone and buprenorphine.

## Step four: the plan and the first dose

You agree a plan: the medication, the starting dose, the dosing days and the counselling alongside it. Some services dose on day one. Others book you back within days. Ask for the date in writing, with the address and the opening hours.

## If it is your first time in any treatment

Say so. Staff will explain each step. Forward Leeds tells clients to check whether each appointment is in person, by phone or online before travelling. The same habit helps everywhere: confirm the format, the time and what to bring.

## If you use now and need help today

Do not wait for intake to get safer. Call your local emergency number in an emergency, and a helpline for advice: 988 in the US and Canada, 111 in the UK, 1800 250 015 in Australia, 1800 459 459 in Ireland, 0800 845 1818 in Auckland.

This guide is information only. It is not medical advice.

## Sources

- [Ontario Health atHome, CATC Opioid Agonist Program Danforth Avenue](https://www.centraleasthealthline.ca/mobile/displayService.aspx?id=198799)
- [Healthpoint, Community Alcohol and Drug Services Auckland](https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/public/psychiatry/community-alcohol-and-drug-services-cads/)
- [Forward Leeds, Armley hub](https://www.forwardleeds.co.uk/locations/armley/)

## Questions

### Do I need a doctor referral to start?

Usually not. Most services in this directory accept self-referrals: phone the service and ask.

### Will I get medication on the first day?

Sometimes, sometimes not. Assessment comes first, and the doctor sets the start date.

### Is intake confidential?

Treatment records are medical records. Ask the service who can see them if you are worried.

> **Not medical advice.** This site is a directory of opioid treatment providers. It is not medical advice, and a listing is not an endorsement of any clinic. Talk to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified clinician before you start, stop or change treatment. Listings can be out of date: confirm opening times and services with the provider before you travel. To report a mistake, write to hello@opioidtreatment.fyi. In an emergency call your local emergency number: 911 in the US and Canada (or call or text 988), 999 in the UK and Ireland (or call 111 in the UK, 112 in Ireland), 000 in Australia, 111 in New Zealand. For overdose, call emergency services first.