Opioids are chemical substances that have a morphine-type action in the body. They are most commonly used for pain relief, have a high likelihood of dependence and may be naturally or synthetically derived. Naturally derived substances are opiates and synthetically derived substances are opioids.
Opioid drugs
- Drugs naturally derived from the opium poppy (known as opiates), such as
- Semi-synthetic opiates, such as
- hydromorphone
- oxycodone
- oxymorphone
- Opioids, such as
- fentanyl
- methadone
- pethidine
Drug replacement treatment in Australia
- methadone has been a recognised treatment for opioid dependence since 1985
- buprenorphine (Subutex) has been registered since 2000
- buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) has been registered since 2005
Treatment of opiate dependence is administered according to the law of the relevant state or territory, and within a framework which includes medical treatment, social and psychological treatment.
National Opioid Pharmacotherapy Statistics Annual Data (NOPSAD) collection
The National Opioid Pharmacotherapy Statistics Annual Data (NOPSAD) collection is a set of jurisdictional data that includes:
- the number of clients accessing pharmacotherapy for the treatment of opioid dependence;
- the number of prescribers participating in the delivery of pharmacotherapy treatment, and;
- quantitative information about the prescribing sector.
A snapshot of opioid pharmacotherapy
Unlike other medications, the drugs used in opioid pharmacotherapy are not reported through regular channels such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This is because they are considered highly specialised and are subject to different regulations for their prescription. For more information on the number of clients receiving pharmacotherapy, and the conditions of use for those individuals, please visit the links listed below:
Further information
All enquiries: .