Psychosocial support for clients of Medication-Assisted Treatment: Guidance

  • Moore S, Birgin R and Burrows D. Psychosocial support for clients of Medication-Assisted Treatment: Guidance: Prepared for Drug Control and Access to Medicines Consortium AIDS Project Management Group. 2010. Sydney
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), using long-acting drugs such as methadone or buprenorphine, is currently the most effective treatment available for heroin dependence. The provision of MAT for opioid dependent injecting drug users (IDU) is also central to efforts to prevent and manage HIV infections in this population. Retention of clients in MAT promotes access to ARV for PLHA clients, and is associated with significant reductions in rates of HIV seroconversion. This guidance manual (coupled with a training guide) will assist MAT planners, clients and clinicians, staff and service volunteers to understand the value, and the basics for implementation, of psychosocial support for MAT clients. This guide is designed to provide instructive information to all levels of MAT implementation, from Health Ministry planners, training bodies and MAT consumer groups, to MAT prescribers, dispensers and other clinic or support staff. Although the many individuals on MAT may require varying degrees of psychosocial support, some may also have mental health issues, which require intensive structured psychotherapies that can only be provided by qualified psychiatrists or psychologists. This guide will highlight that these specialized interventions may be required, but does not attempt to provide explanation or guidance on their delivery. The guide presumes that a clinical psychologist is available for managing complex cases.
  • Keywords: addiction/dependence, advocacy resources, buprenorphine, HIV/AIDS, MAT/OST/Pharmacotherapy, methadone, psychosocial support