The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Substance Use Disorder and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DoD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with substance use disorder.

 The guideline is formatted as five algorithms, with annotations:

• Algorithm A - Screening and Initial Assessment for Substance Use Disorder
• Algorithm B - Management of SUD in Specialty SUD Care
• Algorithm C - Management of SUD in (Primary) General Healthcare
• Algorithm P - Addiction-Focused Pharmacotherapy
• Algorithm S - Stabilization and Withdrawal Management

SUD Full Guideline (601 KB, PDF) NEW 

SUD Summary  (752 KB, PDF) NEW

Variations in practice will inevitably and appropriately occur when providers take into account the needs of individual patients, available resources, and limitations unique to an institution or type of practice.  Every healthcare professional making use of these guidelines is responsible for evaluating the appropriateness of applying them in the setting of any clinical situation.