ALTERNATIVE medicines to assist with drug addictions such as heroin and codeine will become accessible as part of a new State Government initiative.
Gippsland and Hume regions are set to receive $2 million over the next five years as part of a $11 million boost to pharmacotherapy services.
Latrobe Community Health Service will assist people with opiate addictions to access alternative medicines such as Methodone and Suboxone to reduce drug cravings and encourage long-term abstinence.
LCHS drug treatment services manager Ann Hamden said based on 65 referrals from the year to date, amphetamine use was about 14 per cent of referrals, alcohol was always the highest and cannabis was 38 per cent.
“At LCHS, we offer support for people to stabilise and reduce opiate usage,” Ms Hamden said.
“This is something which needs to be monitored carefully and occur gradually.”
Under the program, LCHS will establish a network linking clients with other medical, community and human services with the goal of providing a range of services required by each individual for effective treatment.
The program will include access to addiction medicine specialists who will provide face-to-face consultation with clients who have more complex needs as well as support and advice to doctors prescribing pharmacotherapy.
Ms Hamden said most clients were referred directly from the Needle and Syringe Program, where they presented for provisions of needles and syringes.
“Staff built rapport with clients through this program and encourage them to see general practitioners for pharmacotherapy in order to start their recovery journey,” she said.
LCHS chief executive Ben Leigh said pharmacotherapy was a valuable step in successfully managing physical dependence.
“It will also help reduce the risks associated with intravenous drug use, such as contracting HIV or Hepatitis as well as criminal activity associated with drug use,” Mr Leigh said.
“We hope to see more doctors prescribing pharmacotherapy, as currently the number is quite limited, making it difficult for people to access services.”
Mr Leigh said while there was no quick result for people with a drug dependency, this initiative represented a big step forward for those who were seeking to change their life.
“It is widely acknowledged that drug use can lead to social and criminal problems,” he said.
“It is particularly pleasing that this funding has reached regional areas.”
