Opioid dependence - management in general practice.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Frei
Matthew
M
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, Melbourne, Victoria. myfrei@gmail.com
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001315:Australia; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058850:Opiate Substitution Treatment; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010347:Patient Care Planning
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D002047:Buprenorphine; D008691:Methadone