2007/007 NICE issues guidance for the management of opioid dependence

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance for the NHS in England and Wales, recommending methadone & buprenorphine as options for maintenance therapy in the management of opioid dependence, and naltrexone as a treatment option in detoxified formerly opioid-dependent people who are highly motivated to remain free from opioids. Opioids can include heroin, opium and morphine.