Opioid dependence causes numerous comorbidities primary care physicians have often to deal with. We currently have alternative substitution treatments available in Switzerland for opioid dependent patients, all of whom are known to be effective in treating and preventing the consequences of this addiction. Some of the known medications have a narrow therapeutic range that may hinder the prescription. This article attempts to offer the primary care physician tools and knowledge, based on the most recent recommendations, in order to optimize the management of opioid dependent patients.