Background
Addiction to opioids, or opioid dependence, encompasses
the biopsychosocial dysfunction seen in illicit heroin
injectors, as well as aberrant behaviours in patients
prescribed opioids for chronic nonmalignant pain.
Objective
To outline the management of opioid dependence using
opioid pharmacotherapy as part of a comprehensive
chronic illness management strategy.
Discussion
The same principles and skills general practitioners employ
in chronic illness management underpin the care of
patients with opioid dependence. Opioid pharmacotherapy,
with the substitution medications methadone and
buprenorphine, is an effective management of opioid
dependence. Training and regulatory requirements for
prescribing opioid pharmacotherapies vary between
jurisdictions, but this treatment should be within the scope
of most Australian GPs.
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