METHADONE TREATMENT PROGRAMS

In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (22 July 2010).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling): The Minister for Health has advised:

1. As at 2 August 2010, the number of opioid pharmacotherapy patients was 3,233.

2. South Australian programs have been subjected to randomised controlled trials and other clinical investigations, such as the 2005 Australian Treatment Outcomes Study. This study showed that 12 months after participants entered substitution treatment, 65 per cent had not used heroin in the previous month.

3. Approximately 24 per cent of the Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia budget is allocated to rehabilitation interventions, including substitution treatment for opioid dependence.

4. South Australian policy and programs already assist individuals to recover from drug use, with one program being the pharmacotherapy program that includes abstinence as a long term goal.