Treating drug users is something that every health professional should be able to do, whether providing brief interventions or harm minimisation advice or providing an assessment and directing the user for further care. Unfortunately, despite a growing problem, few health professionals outside specialist addiction services have the skills, experience and knowledge to provide patients with effective pharmacological interventions. Many of the pharmacological treatment options, such as methadone maintenance, have had extensive research and have been shown to be effective in a number of outcome areas. Newer treatments, such as buprenorphine- and naltrexone-assisted detoxification have a growing research base. This article provides a brief overview of treatments options and the impact of drug use on social and medical care services.
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