In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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The Opioid Treatment Service is a team of dedicated doctors, nurses and counsellors who are experts in the field of alcohol and drug medicine.

Our service provides ongoing care for people who are prescribed Opiate Replacement Therapy, medicated withdrawal and referral for other medical services as appropriate. We also provide medical advice, nursing and counselling support for people with complex needs.

About this service

Starting opioid treatment

If you want to start opioid treatment, we’ll assess whether you’re suitable for treatment. This involves taking a history and conducting a physical examination.

If suitable, you’ll be reviewed by members of our treating team while receiving opioid maintenance treatment.

We review prescriptions for opioid maintenance treatment at least every three months.

In Australia, methadone and buprenorphine are only legal within a treatment program.

Specialist Medical Services

Our Alcohol & Drug Medical Service is a team of dedicated doctors who are experts in the field of alcohol and drug medicine. We support people who have an alcohol and drug issue.

This service provides:

  • Comprehensive client drug and alcohol management
  • Induction and ongoing care for people with complex needs who are prescribed Opiate Maintenance Therapy (Pharmacotherapy)
  • Medicated withdrawal
  • Referral to other medical services as appropriate
  • Liaison and provision of medical advice and care to inpatients at Canberra Hospital and advice to GPs and health care practitioners
  • Education to other health care professionals and the general public.

Who we care for

We assess, and treat if suitable, people with an opioid dependency.

How to access this service

We accept referrals from GPs and other health professionals.

You can call the Alcohol and Drug Service Intake & Helpline on (02) 5124 9977 between 8:00am and 5:00pm for initial information and assessment, or by contacting your medical practitioner.

What to bring to your appointment

  • Medicare card
  • Any letters or correspondence from your GP
  • Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
  • Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
  • List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
  • Photo identification

Where we’re located

  • Opioid Treatment Services, Building 7, Canberra Hospital, Palmer Street, Garran ACT.
  • Northside Opioid Treatment Service, corner of Lathlain and Cohen Street, Belconnen, ACT.

We have directions and transport information for both the Northside Opioid Treatment Service and Canberra Hospital.

Information for referrers

Please see Community Health Pathways for detailed referral criteria and information.

Referral options:

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week