Specialist methadone services

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Methadone treatment for opioid dependence has been well proven in clinical trials demonstrating improvements in health, social and occupational functioning across a wide range of people. While methadone is generally administered through general medical practitioners, the need for specialised methadone services occurs where there are associated complex medical, psychiatric or psychological problems. Specialist methadone services operate in association with a general hospital.

For information regarding Community Methadone and Buprenorphine Services see:

• Community Methadone Services
• Community Buprenorphine Services

Target group

Adults and young people who have treatment needs that can not be met by their local medical practitioner. These include clients with:

• Unstable psychiatric conditions.
• High risk patterns of substance use.
• Chronic pain disorders who are abusing prescription and / or illicit opiates.
• Serious medical conditions including HIV and Hepatitis C.

Key service requirements

• Provide assessment and referral services and specialist counselling services.
• Provide case management including an assessment of the clients needs, individual service plan, appropriate integration with community methadone services, discharge planning, case monitoring.

Methadone treatment in Victoria is predominantly based in community settings with clients visiting general practitioners for prescriptions and receiving the subsequent dosage from registered pharmacists.

More information

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