Substitution treatment is a service where a person is given medication to help them taper off another drug or regain stability in their lives.
The main substitution therapy option in New Zealand is for opioids. Opioid substitution treatment (OST) supports people who are addicted to opioids by providing them with a similar medicine (methadone or buprenorphine).
In New Zealand, there are also substitution therapy options for benzodiazepines and nicotine. Substitution for nicotine is often called nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Also, medication can sometimes be prescribed to help people manage unpleasant symptoms or health issues without being part of a substitution therapy programme.
How could it be helpful?
The medicines used in opioid substitution treatment help reduce the withdrawal symptoms that people commonly experience after stopping. This means that people who are addicted to opioids can regain stability in their life and improve their health. You are supported by a group of health professionals, which can include key workers, pharmacists, and a clinical treatment team.
Opioid substitution therapy is generally a long-term support option. The substitution therapy service can let you know how long it would take and may be able to recommend shorter options if needed.
There are several helpful resources that can help you explore if this is a good option for you. These include:
- What is opioid substitution treatment
- OST and you: A guide to opioid substitution treatment
- Real people share their stories of opioid substitution treatment (OST)
- What is opioid substitution treatment – A guide for family, whānau, and support people.
How to access?
To access opioid substitution treatment (OST), ask your doctor (GP) or local addiction service. You can also call the Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797) or visit Health Point to find out what is available in your area.
This is a list of the specialist Opioid Substitution Treatment Services in New Zealand. You can speak to your doctor (GP), addiction service, or call them directly to ask about accessing the service:
Whangārei
Opiate Substitution Treatment Service
Manaia House, 41 Rathbone St, Whangārei
09 430 4102 dial extension 3502 and ask for the OST duty clinician.
Auckland
Auckland Opioid Treatment Service
Pitman House, 50 Carrington Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland
09 815 5841 and ask for OST Services
Hamilton
Mental Health and Addictions Service
Gate 10, 135C Silverdale Road, Hillcrest, Silverdale, Hamilton
0800 022 436 or 07 834 6902
Tauranga
Bay of Plenty Addiction Service
Kowhai House, Tauranga Hospital, Cameron Road, Tauranga
0800 800 508 or 07 579 8329
Rotorua
Lakes Opioid Treatment Service
1144 Pukaki Street, Level 2 Pukaki Centre, Rotorua
0800 839 702 or 07 343 5050
Gisborne
Community Mental Health Addictions Service
79 Lowe Street, CBD, Gisborne
0800 999 014 or 06 869 2097
Hastings
Addiction Services
Gate 9, Cashmore Building, McLeod Street, Hastings Hospital, Hastings
06 878 8109 dial extension 5700
New Plymouth
Alcohol and Drug Service
27 David Street, Westown, New Plymouth
0508 292 467 dial option 2 or 06 753 6139 dial option 6
Whanganui
Community Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Service
Whanganui Te Whatu Ora, 100 Heads Road, Gonville, Whanganui
06 348 1207
Palmerston North
Mental Health and Addiction Services
Ruahine House, Gate 12/50 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North
Call Fran via 027 275 0840 or other OST staff on 0800 653 357
Masterton
Pathways (Wairarapa) OST Service
Level 1, Departmental Building, 35-37 Chapel Street, Masterton
06 370 6100 (leave a voice message if no answer)
Wellington
Addiction Services Wellington
Level 1, 113 Adelaide Road, Newtown, Wellington
0800 300 183 or 04 494 9170
Nelson
Ratonga Puwaia / Addiction Services
Braemar Campus, Upper Franklyn Street, Nelson
Nelson call 03 546 1994 and Blenheim call 03 520 9908
Greymouth
Rata Alcohol and other Drugs Service
71 Water Walk Road, Greymouth
0800 006 225 or 03 769 7805
Christchurch
Christchurch Opioid Recovery Service
Hillmorton Hospital, Sylvan Street, Middleton
03 335 4350
Timaru
South Canterbury Opioid Recovery Service
Queen Street, Timaru
022 000 7628 or Mel 03 687 2165, Tania 03 687 2125, Darrell 03 687 2182
Dunedin
Specialist Addiction Service Otago
Ground Floor, East Wing, Main Block, Wakari Hospital, 371 Taieri Road, Halfway Bush, Dunedin
0800 443 366 or 03 476 9760
Invercargill
Specialist Addiction Service Southland
Community Mental Health and Addiction Services, Southland Hospital, Kew Road, Invercargill
0800 443 366 or 03 214 5786