Opioid Treatment Programmes

Treatment retention is presented as a major determinant of opioid treatment programme effectiveness. Collaborative, individualised, non-judgemental, person-centred care is identified as characteristic of more effective opioid treatment programmes. Service users often face policies and practices that reduce their agency and therapeutic choice. Rigid and restrictive opioid treatment policies can undermine engagement, retention, and sustainability. Service user preferences should play a central role in choosing between methadone and buprenorphine.