At Pharmaceutical Rehabilitation Services, our team work with patients to employ Medication Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence (MATOD). MATOD is a combination of medication, as well as psychosocial support. While medication alone can bring about some behaviour change, psychosocial support is essential for patients to achieve long-term treatment success.
There are two medications which we use for Opioid dependence:
• Methadone (Methadone, Biodone liquid)
• Buprenorphine (Suboxone Films, Subutex Tablets)
These medications bind to the opioid receptor in the brain. This prevents and/or reduces any withdrawal symptoms. This keeps the patient stabile while they make positive changes in their life.
Additionally, both methadone and buprenorphine are long acting meaning doses are usually only required once a day, sometimes even less.
Psychosocial support includes strategies to assist the patient with health, psychological, social and other issues that they are experiencing.
Counselling helps to address any underlying issues which may have been masked by opioid use, and help to process emotions which may have been suppressed by the medication. It also helps patients to develop the necessary strategies and tools to use if they have opioid cravings.
Our Clinicians work with each patient at the start of their treatment journey to outline their treatment goals. They then work collaboratively with the patient toward achieving those goals.
In each patient’s journey, their goals may change over time and therefore, the support we provide will also change.
For example, early on in treatment there is usually a greater focus on managing withdrawal symptoms with medications. Then, once the cravings are stabilised, we work with patients to achieve their greater health goals.
If you, or someone you know, is affected by heroin addiction, contact PRS on (07) 3059 1301 or fill out the form below to book an appointment.
