How does methadone work as a heroin-replacement therapy? And what about the longer-acting buprenorphine?

  • Written by: Nicole Lee, Professor at the National Drug Research Institute (Melbourne), Curtin University
How does methadone work as a heroin-replacement therapy? And what about the longer-acting buprenorphine?Tbel Abuseridze

Around 1% of Australian adults have tried heroin in their lifetime and 2.7% have used pharmaceutical opioids for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months.

These drugs attach to the opioid receptors in the brain, creating feelings of relaxation, wellbeing and reduced pain.

Heroin has a short half life, meaning it doesn’t stay...

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