Opioid dependence is a medical condition that can be successfully managed.8
It can occur when opioids have been prescribed long term for medical conditions or through the illicit use of opioids.8
Opioid dependence is a chronic and relapsing condition that can have serious health consequences.8
It can span many years and can be linked to a range of health and social harms, for both individuals who use opioids and the wider community.9
In Australia, approximately 160,000 people are living with opioid dependence.1
As a healthcare professional, you play a crucial role in supporting those wanting to change their relationship with opioids.
Access the resources below to help guide important conversations about the broader impact of opioids on health with patients.
The Routine Opioid Outcome Monitoring (ROOM) tool is a validated measure used by GPs to track outcomes in patients on opioids. It covers areas like pain, mood, opioid use disorder (via OWLS), alcohol use, and constipation.
Access the ROOM toolThe International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11), developed by the World Health Organization, is a global standard for diagnosing health conditions, including mental and behavioral disorders. According to ICD-11, substance dependence, such as alcohol or drug dependence, is diagnosed when at least two of three core features are present over a period of 12 months (or at least 3 months if use is continuous). These features include impaired control over substance use, marked by difficulty managing when or how much a person uses and frequent cravings.
Learn more about ICD-11Many people with opioid dependence delay or avoid treatment due to perceived or experienced stigma.10
In fact, in Australia half of people living with substance use disorders, such as opioid dependence, do not receive treatment within eight years of experiencing their first symptoms.11
Every person deserves dignity, respect, and evidence-based care. Your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with opioid dependence and community.
To better understand the impact of stigma and how stigmatising language affects those who are wanting to change their relationships with opioids, read this insightful article by Dr. Hester Wilson here
Stigma and stereotypes can isolate people through negative labelling, leading to rejection and exclusion and can manifest as:12,13
Words matter. The language used to speak to and about people who are trying to change their relationship with opioids can either reinforce stigma or help reduce it.
The following are ways we can replace stigmatising language with words that are more inclusive and can help improve people’s experience of healthcare:16
| Use this | Instead of this |
|---|---|
| Substance use, non-prescribed use | Abuse, misuse, problem use, non-compliant use |
| Person who uses/ injects drugs | Drug user/ abuser |
| Person with a dependence on… | Addict, junkie, druggie |
| Person experiencing drug dependence | Suffering from addiction, has a habit |
| Person who has stopped using drugs | Clean, sober, drug free |
| Person with lived experience of drug dependence | Ex-addict, former addict, used to be a… |
| Person’s needs are not being met | Drug seeking, manipulative, splitting |
| Currently using drugs | Using again, fallen off the wagon, had a setback |
| Used/ unused syringe | Dirty/ clean needle, dirties |
Access a suite of practical tools below to help break down stigma and continue being the support that fits their life.
Disclaimer: The website is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the advice from your healthcare professional before making decisions about your circumstances.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or have difficulty staying safe, call Lifeline for confidential one-to-one support with a trained telephone crisis supporter.
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Camurus Pty Ltd. ABN 79 627 784 605. 223-225 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010. Ph: 1800 142 038. AU-NPR-2600050 | June 2026