This evidence summary comes from a program of work that aimed to build the evidence base for the treatment of pharmaceutical opioid dependence, or dependence on opioid pain medications such as oxycodone, morphine and codeine. Many of the original trials examining methadone and buprenorphine (+/- naloxone) were conducted in people dependent on heroin. In recent years new studies and revised analysis from older studies have aimed to provide information on the use of methadone and buprenorphine (+ naloxone) for those dependent on pharmaceutical opioids such as codeine, morphine and oxycodone. This document is a summary of key findings in a ‘frequently asked questions’ format.

If you have other queries relating this body of research please get in touch at suzanne.nielsen@unsw.edu.au.