Investigation of methadone dosing in Victoria: Factors influencing dosing levels

Lintzeris, N., Pritchard, E. and Sciacchitano, L. (2007) Investigation of methadone dosing in Victoria: Factors influencing dosing levels. Fitzroy, Victoria: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre

Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre has completed a project which explored methadone dose levels in Victoria. According to the National Clinical Guidelines, the optimal dose for methadone should typically exceed 60 mg per day, however in Victoria the estimated average daily dose is 50 mg. This project, commissioned by the Victorian Department of Human Services (DHS), sought to investigate Victoria's methadone dose levels, determine the factors influencing dose levels, and identify the barriers to optimal dosing.

Data were collected from a range of sources, including: dosing information from 17 pharmacies, information on the amount of methadone syrup supplied to Victoria each year, and interviews with nine methadone prescribers and 30 methadone clients. According to pharmacy dose data, the average methadone dose was 54 mg, which is lower than the recommended level. The main reasons for low methadone dosing included client concerns about side effects, client focus on reducing their methadone dose, and the belief that lower doses are associated with easier withdrawal and short-term programs.

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For further information on this report, please contact

Laura Sciacchitano
Senior Research Assistant
Health Services Research and Evaluation Program
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
54 - 62 Gertrude Street
Fitzroy 3065
P: +61 3 8413 8437
F: +61 3 9416 3420
E: lauras@turningpoint.org.au

Ecstasy, ketamine and GHB: A review of users and Victorian alcohol and other drug treatment interventions

Mugavin, J., Swan, A. and Pennay, A. (2007) Ecstasy, ketamine and GHB: A review of users and Victorian alcohol and other drug treatment interventions. Fitzroy, Victoria: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre.

Turning Point has completed a study on Ecstasy, ketamine and GHB: A review of users and Victorian alcohol and other drug treatment interventions. This project, commissioned by the Victorian Department of Human Services (DHS), provides a first step in better understanding ecstasy, ketamine and GHB (EKG) users, their treatment needs and AOD treatment responses. Data were collected from interviews with 15 AOD service providers, three GPs and 16 EKG users. Service monitoring data and existing literature were also reviewed. This preliminary study found that contact with AOD services generally occurred via drug diversion. According to EKG users, their use was rarely problematic, nor was it the primary motivation for seeking treatment. Instead, EKG users typically sought treatment in relation to other problematic drug use. Barriers to treatment access included a lack of EKG user confidence in treatment providers and previous negative treatment experiences. Service providers reported that infrequent contact with clients presenting with EKG concerns limited the development of practice wisdom. In addition, the lack of clinical evidence reduced their capacity to provide information on the long-term effect of EKG use, particularly in relation to ketamine and GHB.

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For further information on this report, please contact

Janette Mugavin
Senior Research Assistant
Health Services Research and Evaluation Program
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
54 - 62 Gertrude Street
Fitzroy 3065
P: +61 3 8413 8406
F: +61 3 9416 3420
E: janette.mugavin@turningpoint.org.au

Evaluation of Primary Health Services

Norman, J., Mugavin, J. and Swan, A. (2006) Evaluation of the Primary Health Services. Fitzroy, Victoria: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre

This project reviewed the twelve primary health services and ancillary programs funded under the Local Drug Strategy ‘Saving Lives’ policy. These services targetinjecting drug users (among others) in municipalities in metropolitan Melbourne identified as having high incidences of drug use and related problems. The overarching objective of the primary health services is to ‘provide services that lead to better health outcomes for their intended clientele’ (DPSB, 2006). Whilst guidelines were provided on the services to be delivered, the primary health services with their relevant municipal bodies were encouraged to develop their own service model in response to the local needs of their community.

This project describes strategies currently used by the primary health services to meet their aim of providing services that lead to better health outcomes for their clients. The Drugs Policy and Services Branch at the Victorian Department of Human Services identified eight areas of interest for this project (accessibility of the services, the provision of a holistic model of care, empowerment model of care, assessment and intervention plans, staff profile, continuity of care, access to other services and data collection). Methods comprised a self-assessment questionnaire for managers of each service, a snapshot survey of clients at the fixed site primary health services and analysis of reporting data and existing service information.

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For further information on this report, please contact

Amy Swan
Research Fellow
Health Services Research and Evaluation Program
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
54 - 62 Gertrude Street
Fitzroy 3065
P: +61 3 8413 8457
F: +61 3 9416 3420
E: amy.swan@turningpoint.org.au