title: Medical management of opioid dependence in South Africa.
abstract: Medical practitioners in South Africa are increasingly confronted with requests to treat patients with opioid use disorders. Many do not possess the required knowledge and skills to deal with these patients effectively. This overview of the medical treatment of opioid dependence was compiled by an elected working group of doctors working in the field of substance dependence. Recommendations are based on current best practice derived from scientific evidence and consensus of the working group, but should never replace individual clinical judgement.
authors.affiliation: Substance Programme for Associated Psychiatric Hospitals, Western Cape, Stikland Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University. lizew@sun.ac.za
authors.forename: Lize
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Weich
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Perkel
authors.forename: Nicolette
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: van Zyl
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Rataemane
authors.forename: Lochan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Naidoo
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013019:South Africa