A GP guide to treating opioid addiction
Pharmacotherapy for drug dependence doesn't have to be in the 'too-hard basket' - rather, it's a useful skill that will enable you to deliver holistic care.
Need to know:
- About 110,000 Australians are opioid-dependent, and approximately 50,000 people receive treatment for opioid dependence each day.
- Long-term treatment with methadone or buprenorphine improves overall mortality and reduces morbidity in patients who have opioid dependence.
- Being able to prescribe opioid replacement therapy (ORT) is a use