Opioid drugs include heroin and morphine. Methadone is a synthetic opioid drug used as a substitute for heroin and is supplied in a liquid form, which the person drinks. In NSW a doctor who is an approved methadone prescriber can prescribe a person who is heroin dependent a daily dose of methadone. Methadone remains active in the body for longer than heroin. This means a single daily dose is all that is required. This allows the person to stabilise their addiction and start looking after themselves. Clients who demonstrate commitment to the program and have stabilized are then eligible to receive takeaway doses so they do not need to visit the clinic daily.

Methadone Treatment cycle

Methadone treatment can be long term (months or years) to help the person reduce the risks of heroin dependency, or short term (two weeks or less) for the purposes of safe withdrawal from heroin. The treatment cycle is dependant upon the length of time and quantity of heroin the client has used. Buprenorphine is also offered as a treatment for heroin dependence

Effects of methadone

Methadone unlike heroin does not provide the user with a euphoric sensation. However, its effects on the body are similar to heroin in many other ways, including:

	Reduced blood pressure
	Slower heart rate
	Pain relief
	Drop in body temperature
	Feelings of general wellbeing.

Side effects

Methadone can cause unpleasant side effects, but adjusting the dose can help. In other cases, side effects can be caused by taking more than the recommended dose or by using other drugs at the same time, such as alcohol, sedatives or tranquillizers. Side effects can include:

	Sweating
	Constipation
	Sexual dysfunction (inability to reach orgasm)
	Changes to the menstrual cycle
	Drowsiness
	Heart palpitations
	Dizziness
	Nausea and vomiting
	Skin rashes.

Other treatment options

Buprenorphine

What is buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is supplied in tablet form and is taken sublingually (under the tongue). Buprenorphine is a partial opiate agonist, which means it stimulates the cell receptors that are normally stimulated by opioid drugs like heroin and methadone. Characteristics include:

	Buprenorphine is as effective as methadone in managing the symptoms of heroin withdrawal.
	Methadone withdrawal can be unpleasant and lengthy, while the effects of buprenorphine withdrawal are mild and brief.
	A short course of buprenorphine may help a person to withdraw from their methadone maintenance program.
	Dosing is daily and can be as infrequent as second or third daily.

Advantages of methadone and buprenorphine

Some of the advantages of methadone and buprenorphine treatments include:

	The person who is heroin dependent no longer has to worry about getting heroin multiple times every day, which reduces anxiety.
	Methadone and buprenorphine are not injected, which reduces the risk of blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.
	Methadone and buprenorphine are manufactured using strict controls, unlike street drugs, which can vary in strength and contain harmful additives.
	The effects of heroin last only a few hours, while the effects of methadone and buprenorphine last from 24 hours to a couple of days or more.
	The effects of heroin last only a few hours, while the effects of methadone and buprenorphine last from 24 hours to a couple of days or more.
	The effects of heroin last only a few hours, while the effects of methadone and buprenorphine last from 24 hours to a couple of days or more.
	The effects of heroin last only a few hours, while the effects of methadone and buprenorphine last from 24 hours to a couple of days or more.
	The effects of heroin last only a few hours, while the effects of methadone and buprenorphine last from 24 hours to a couple of days or more.
	With the addiction stabilised, the person can focus on looking after themselves, including improving their health, nutrition, relationships and employment situation.
	Methadone and buprenorphine cost less than heroin, so the person can put their money to better use.
	It is no longer necessary to commit crimes in order to pay for heroin.

How to commence methadone treatment at Regent House.

Methadone treatment is offered in-house through our general practitioners or people can be referred to our practice by your own GP. To be part of our program, you need:

	To see a doctor who holds a NSW Health authority to prescribe methadone or buprenorphine for you. The doctor will make application to NSW health for treatment on our program.  We have doctors available most days-phone us for appointment details.
	Bring satisfactory identification with you and your Medicare card or number.  NSW Health requires 100 points of identification (i.e., Photo ID and/or Birth Certificate) to approve your application to commence treatment.
	Attend regular consultations with the GP who will check your dose and work with you to stabilise you on an adequate dose of methadone or buprenorphine.  Stabilisation may take several weeks to occur. The doctor may examine your urine for methadone and other drugs.
	Attend Regent House on a daily basis or less frequently as directed by your doctor.

Where to from here

Telephone staff at Regent House on 0293195833 for further information on treatment options and appointments with our doctors.

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