Opioid pharmacotherapy (OTP)
methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone) programs available nationally
TREATMENT BY SUBSTANCE
Opioid Addiction Treatment in Australia
Opioid dependence — whether involving prescription opioids or illicit heroin — is a serious but highly treatable condition. Australia has world-class opioid treatment programs including pharmacotherapy, which dramatically reduces overdose risk and improves quality of life.
Signs of opioids dependence
- Strong cravings and preoccupation with obtaining opioids
- Tolerance — needing increasingly higher doses for the same effect
- Withdrawal — nausea, aching, sweating, anxiety when not using
- Continuing use despite health, relationship or legal problems
- Neglecting responsibilities or interests in favour of drug use
- Using opioids in ways other than prescribed (crushing, injecting)
WHAT TREATMENT LOOKS LIKE
Options for opioids addiction.
Medically supervised withdrawal
inpatient or outpatient detoxification
Residential rehabilitation
abstinence-based or harm reduction programs
Naltrexone
monthly injection option for motivated individuals post-detox
Counselling and case management
addressing the psychosocial drivers of use
Needle syringe programs
reducing harms for those who inject
LISTED SERVICES
Providers treating opioids
Albury, NSW
Albury Wodonga Health
A community-based alcohol and other drug service run by public health service Albury Wodonga Health for residents of Albury, Culcairn, Corowa and surrounding New South Wales districts. It is not residential.
South Launceston, TAS
Alcohol and Drug Services - North
Alcohol and Drug Services North is the Tasmanian Government's community alcohol and other drug team for the state's northern region, based at 13 Mulgrave Street, South Launceston.
Ulverstone, TAS
Alcohol and Drug Services (North West)
The north west arm of the Tasmanian Department of Health's Alcohol and Drug Services, based at 11 Grove Street, Ulverstone. The community team provides intake and assessment, brief intervention, counselling, group work and therapy, relapse prevention and case management, with access to addiction medicine specialists…
Launceston, TAS
Alcohol and Drug Services (North)
The northern arm of the Tasmanian Department of Health's Alcohol and Drug Services, based at 13 Mulgrave Street, Launceston. The community team provides intake and assessment, brief intervention, counselling, group work and therapy, relapse prevention and case management, with access to addiction medicine specialists…
New Town, TAS
Alcohol and Drug Services (South)
The southern arm of the Tasmanian Department of Health's Alcohol and Drug Services, in the Carruthers Building at St Johns Park, New Town. It runs a community team offering assessment, brief intervention, counselling, therapy and case management, the statewide opioid pharmacotherapy program with a specialist pharmacy,…
Garran, ACT
Alcohol and Drug Services, Canberra
Alcohol and Drug Services is the ACT public alcohol and other drug program run by Canberra Health Services from Building 7 on the Canberra Hospital campus.
BEFORE YOU MAKE CONTACT
Questions about
opioids treatment.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. For advice at any hour, the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline is 1800 250 015.
- What is the difference between methadone and Suboxone?
- Methadone is a full opioid agonist dispensed daily from pharmacies. Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a partial agonist that can be prescribed for takeaway doses sooner. Both are highly effective at reducing opioid use and overdose risk. A doctor will help determine which is appropriate for you.
- Is opioid pharmacotherapy free in Australia?
- Opioid treatment programs may be subsidised through the PBS and state health systems. Fees and eligibility vary. Ask a qualified health professional or service about local prescribers and pharmacies.
OTHER TREATMENT AREAS
WHEN YOU’RE READY
Ready to take the first step?
Compare services treating opioids and contact them directly.