This information kit developed by researchers at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at UNSW provides a step by step guide to the evidence for medically assisted treatment for heroin dependence as well as answering commonly asked questions. Heroin or opioid dependence can be treated with medication and psychosocial support, also known as medication-assisted treatment of opioid dependence (MATOD). The most common medicines used for MATOD in Australia are methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone.

There is a strong body of research that underpins the use of these and other medicines, but NDARC’s Professor Kate Dolan says often people are uncertain about the role of MATOD in treating heroin or opioid use and dependence. “Heroin dependence can lead to serious health, social and economic consequences for users, their families and society,” said Professor Dolan. “The more information and easy to understand research evidence we can provide for affected people and for the wider community, the better outcomes for those seeking help.”

This Information Kit includes two booklets. The first booklet answers some of the most frequently asked questions about MATOD and addresses common misunderstandings, while the second booklet provides a review of evidence of MATOD.