A Guide for Frontline Workers - National Drug Strategy

Introduction
Opioid dependence is a serious health problem in Australia that can have a
devastating effect on people’s lives. However, there are effective treatments,
and with support and their own willingness to change, people can overcome
their dependence.
The treatments in this guide are for people who are dependent on ‘opioids’ - usually
this will be heroin, but also includes drugs like morphine, pethidine, codeine, and
non-prescribed methadone. Often, people will be experiencing problems with other
drugs as well, such as alcohol, cannabis, tranquillisers, amphetamines or cocaine.
It is important that other drug use is discussed with a medical practitioner or other
health worker at the start of any treatment program.
Making Contact with Heroin and Other Opioid Users
People who are dependent on heroin may be reluctant to enter treatment, and
many never come into contact with specialist drug services. Frontline workers,
however, such as medical practitioners and nurses, pharmacists, social welfare
and outreach workers, hospital emergency personnel, and those who work in the
police and justice system may all have contact with heroin users as a part of their
‘every day’ work. If heroin dependence is identified or suspected, it is an important
opportunity to offer accurate information about the options available and
encourage entry into treatment.
Australian Research and the NEPOD Project
Over the past few years, some new ways to treat opioid dependence have
been researched in studies across Australia. A project known as ‘NEPOD’ or
the National Evaluation of Pharmacotherapies for Opioid Dependence brought
together the results of many of these studies, and some of the findings have
been included in this guide (look for the ‘research boxes’).
The aim of this guide is:
O to provide frontline workers with accurate information about the
treatment options available for heroin and other opioid dependence, to
pass on to users and their families, carers and friends.
Two information booklets, one for heroin dependent people, and one for their
families and carers have also been produced as a part of this work, entitled:
O Treatment Options for Heroin and Other Opioid Dependence
– A Guide for Users, and
O Treatment Options for Heroin and Other Opioid Dependence
– A Guide for Families and Carers
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