Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT)

ODT is a treatment option for people who are dependent on opioids (e.g., heroin, oxycodone and morphine). In ODT, methadone and buprenorphine are prescribed to replace the opioid substance/s. ODT is highly regulated and clients receiving this treatment will be registered with Queensland Health. Acceptance into ODT requires thorough assessment by medical staff and certain conditions apply.

Stages

Opioid treatment has two stages:

1. Opioid stabilisation
   Determining the most suitable dose requires regular and close monitoring by medical and nursing staff. As such, anyone commencing ODT or re-stabilising in treatment will need to attend daily for assessment until their dose is stable.

2. Opioid maintenance
   For many people, ODT becomes long term treatment which requires case management. Opioid maintenance provides a person with a team of health professionals who will work with them to support dosing at specified local pharmacies, as well as referral for counselling and other therapies if required.