Opioid Dependency Treatment

Opioid dependence is a treatable medical condition, not a failure of willpower, and effective treatment helps tens of thousands of Australians live stable, healthy lives. Community pharmacies are a key part of that treatment: they are where many people receive their daily or regular dose of medication-assisted treatment, close to home and without judgement.

What is opioid dependency treatment?

Medication treatment for opioid dependence (sometimes called opioid agonist treatment, or MATOD) uses medicines such as methadone or buprenorphine (including buprenorphine-naloxone, and long-acting depot injections) to reduce cravings and withdrawal, prevent the dangerous cycle of intoxication and withdrawal, and let people stabilise their lives. It is prescribed by an authorised doctor and, in the community, the dosing is very often managed through a pharmacy. It is a well-established, evidence-based treatment recommended by health authorities worldwide.

How pharmacies are involved

A pharmacist does not prescribe this treatment; an authorised prescriber (your doctor or a specialist service) does. The pharmacy’s role is to dispense and supervise dosing safely and consistently, which can mean daily or several-times-a-week visits, and sometimes takeaway doses where the prescriber and rules allow. Because you attend regularly, the pharmacy also becomes a stable point of contact and support. Staff handle this discreetly and professionally; it is a routine, important part of community pharmacy.

Who is it for?

It is for people who are dependent on opioids, whether prescription painkillers or illicit opioids, and who have a prescriber managing their treatment. If you think you might be dependent, or you are worried about your opioid use, the first step is a conversation with a doctor or a drug-treatment service, who can assess you and start treatment if it is appropriate.

How to access it

Access usually starts with an authorised prescriber, through your GP (some are authorised to prescribe these treatments), a drug-and-alcohol service, or a specialist clinic. They assess you, start and adjust the medicine, and arrange for a participating pharmacy to manage your dosing. If you are already in treatment and moving or changing pharmacies, your prescriber and the pharmacy coordinate to keep your dosing uninterrupted.

Confidentiality and respect

Your treatment is confidential health information, handled like any other. Pharmacies that provide this service do so as part of normal practice. If you ever feel you are not being treated with respect, you are entitled to raise it, and your prescriber or treatment service can help you find another pharmacy.

Safety

Opioid treatment medicines are powerful, and the dose and arrangements are set carefully by your prescriber for your safety; never adjust your dose or take extra opioids on top, as this can be dangerous. Combining opioids with alcohol or sedatives sharply raises overdose risk. It is worth also having naloxone at home through the free Take Home Naloxone program. Call Triple Zero (000) for a suspected overdose. For confidential advice any time, the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015) connects you to your state service.

How it’s regulated in Australia

Opioid dependence treatment is tightly regulated under state and territory drugs-and-poisons law, with prescribers requiring specific authorisation and pharmacies following strict dosing and record-keeping rules. The medicines are subsidised to keep treatment affordable. Pharmacists providing dosing are registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia and work within these frameworks alongside your prescriber.

Official sources

• Alcohol and Drug Foundation
• Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Treatment works, and help is available. Use the button below to find a pharmacy that provides opioid dependency dosing near you, and speak with a prescriber or the hotline to get started.