In Practice: Face-to-face opportunities for rural members RACGP Rural is inviting members to join upcoming face-to-face events for networking and educational opportunities.
Second Australian hydromorphone trial announced The new opiate treatment is meeting people ‘where they are at’ and could save those for whom methadone has not worked.
What are nitazenes? The synthetically produced opioids are more potent than fentanyl and have recently been detected in Australia.
Study shines light on oxycodone prescribing habits Regional patients are most likely to be first-time users, with a study warning GPs to use ‘careful assessment’ when prescribing.
Drug checking trial launches at injecting centre The RACGP welcomed the groundbreaking pilot, which enables users to test their substances while under medical supervision.
Australian state first to offer permanent pill testing Queensland will invest $1 million over two years to establish free, confidential and ongoing illicit drug testing services.
Deaths and overdoses prompt coroner pill testing call Two Victorian coroners have said the service could provide ‘lifesaving insights’ and tailored information to illicit drug users.
GPs encouraged to upskill in opioid dependence treatment An RACGP program aims to help GPs better understand this ‘rewarding’ area of medicine and boost authorised prescriber numbers.
Pill testing calls follow multiple overdoses at Melbourne festival The Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Addiction Medicine has said such a move would be ‘a no-brainer’.
What GPs need to know about opioid dependency changes The new scheme will benefit tens of thousands, but the small implementation window could be tricky to navigate, writes Dr Hester Wilson.