GPs encouraged to prepare for opioid dependence changes All opioid dependence treatment medicines will be listed on the PBS from next month, in news welcomed by the RACGP.
‘Historic’ funding changes for opioid dependency treatment Addiction GPs say the changes will help to reduce barriers when it comes to prescribing and access – and in the process reduce stigma.
Opioid treatment receives $377m funding increase The measure, included in this week’s Federal Budget, will ‘save lives’, according to the RACGP President.
Codeine use down by 37% since up-scheduling Use of the drug has dropped substantially across all jurisdictions, a new wastewater-based epidemiology report suggests.
Concerns over growing misuse of Rikodeine cough medicine The addictive cough suppressant is popular among young people, more potent than codeine, and poses a serious risk of harm.
Prescriber shock: ‘My patient is lying to me’ Real-time prescription monitoring is no silver bullet, but GPs can use it to help patients make better health choices, writes Dr Hester Wilson.
New online benzodiazepine hub hopes to reduce harms The resources provide guidance and support for the management of benzodiazepine dependence and misuse in primary care.
Providing help that is needed but not wanted Dr Thileepan Naren’s choice to persevere with a patient during their recovery from opioid addiction led to triumphant outcomes.
How can opioid deaths be reduced? New studies further verify the benefits of pharmacotherapy for opioid dependence in greatly reducing all-cause mortality rates.
Opioids: Tolerance, dependence and overdose Dr Jill Thistlethwaite talks with Dr Hester Wilson, a GP and addiction medicine specialist, and Ms Leah Dwyer, a member of Painaustralia’s Consumer Advisory Group.