THE PRESCRIPTION OF METHADONE FOR OPIATE DEPENDENCE IN AUSTRALIA, 1985-1991

Objective: To describe the rates and patterns of prescription of metha done for opiate dependence in Australia from 1985 to 1991. Design: Dat a on the numbers of Australians prescribed methadone in States and Ter ritories were used to calculate prevalence rates of prescription of me thadone. Results: In 1985, Queensland had the highest rate of prescrip tion of methadone. After the establishment of the National Campaign Ag ainst Drug Abuse, rates increased in most jurisdictions. Assessment pr ocedures and prescribing practices, such as private prescription of me thadone, appear to have markedly affected rates of prescription in som e States. Conclusion: Large differences in rates of methadone prescrip tion have occurred in Australian States and Territories. There are ina dequate data to explain how rates of prescription are related to the p revalence of oplate use. Investigations of prevalence of injecting opi ate use, demand for treatment and clinic practices are needed to expla in these patterns fully.