Victorian workshops aim to strengthen GP support for opioid dependence
12 Oct 2026
The sessions will take place across Melbourne and focus on practical skills that GPs can use when treating patients who experience opioid dependence.
Dr Anne Saunders, former Chair of the RACGP Victoria Alcohol and Other Drug Committee, will lead two of the workshops. She said MATOD treatment can help patients manage their dependence and bring greater stability to their lives.
Dr Saunders said drug-related harm affects not only the person using drugs but also their families and wider communities. She explained that treatment can help reduce or stop the use of illegal opioids.
The training will cover several key areas. Participants will learn how to:
Identify signs of opioid toxicity in patients seeking opioid prescriptions.
- Recognise opioid withdrawal.
- Assess whether a patient may have opioid use disorder.
- Understand the differences between methadone and buprenorphine.
- Learn about Victorian legal and professional requirements when treating opioid use disorder.
Give patients suitable advice on preventing and responding to overdoses.
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that 57,740 people received pharmacotherapy treatment for opioid dependence in 2024, representing a 24% increase since 2011.
Dr Saunders said more support is needed to help GPs provide this type of care. She explained that treatment often requires longer appointments and ongoing support over several months.
However, the current general practice funding system can make longer consultations less financially attractive than shorter appointments.She said GPs need better support to provide effective treatment for patients with opioid dependence.
The three workshops are scheduled for:
Melton: 31 October 2026
Pakenham: 7 November 2026
Lilydale: 5 December 2026
Victorian workshops aim to strengthen GP support for opioid dependence
Source: RACGP/ the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).