Opioid substitution treatment
Opioid substitution treatment
Every year in New Zealand, more than 5,000 people receive Opioid Substitution Treatment (also known as OST).
Opioid use disorders require treatment and care much like any other chronic (long-term) health problem. OST is an evidence-based harm reduction option for people experiencing opioid use disorder.
Every person on OST is on their own unique journey and deserves the best possible support.
Te Pou has developed a series of resources designed to bring together the knowledge and skills of everyone involved in OST, to support tāngata whai ora, their whānau, and the specialist OST teams working alongside them.
New Zealand Practice Guidelines for Opioid Substitution Treatment 2025
The New Zealand Practice Guidelines for Opioid Substitution Treatment 2025 provide clinical and procedural guidance for specialist services and primary health care providers who deliver OST.
These replace the previous guidelines published in 2014.
The practice guidelines are available on the Ministry of Health | Manatū Hauora website.
For enquiries about the OST guidelines, please contact: Mental Health Admin MentalHealthAdmin@health.govt.nz
OST workforce e-learning
This new and updated e-learning reflects 2025 OST practice guidelines and is recommended for all professionals working in OST delivery.
The purpose of the OST e-learning is to:
- outline the range of clinical skills and knowledge required to work effectively with people receiving OST
- become familiar with the roles and responsibilities involved in OST
- understand the rights of tāngata whai ora in the OST programme
- identify the stages of OST
- understand clinical issues, including for special populations, such as pregnant people or rangatahi in the OST programme.
The OST e-learning is hosted on Pūkoro, our learning management system. On your first visit to the site, you will need to create an account. You will find the OST e-learning in the Te Pou section of Pūkoro.
OST and you: A guide to opioid substitution treatment
This guide is for people who are on OST or thinking of engaging with OST, as well as their whānau and support people.
It has been developed by people with lived and professional experience in OST to provide service users with information that is used by those delivering OST. It outlines what to expect when you start OST such as dealing with side effects, the pros and cons of the medications, information on takeaways and what happens if you want to go on holiday.
This updated resource reflects the revised New Zealand Practice Guidelines for Opioid Substitution Treatment 2025. It is an audit requirement that OST specialist services provide a copy to all tāngata whai ora on OST.
What is opioid substitution treatment?
This short resource introduces OST to the family, whānau and friends of someone who is on, or is thinking of going on OST.
It provides answers to some of the frequently asked questions including what OST is, OST and pregnancy, and what Naloxone is.
Real People share their stories of opioid substitution treatment
This resource is for anyone thinking of starting OST, their whānau and friends, or those interested in how this harm reduction treatment can make a difference in people’s lives.
This is a collection of real stories from real people across Aotearoa who have navigated the challenges of opioid use and found support through OST. Their voices highlight the diverse pathways to wellbeing and the importance of compassionate, harm reduction and person-centred support.
“My life is exponentially improving; my health is too – both mentally and physically – and believe it or not, FINANCIALLY!"
- Mr X, an excerpt from Real People share their stories of opioid substitution treatment
National Association of Opioid Treatment Providers (NAOTP)
NAOTP is the representative body of primary and secondary care providers involved in OST.
The group’s purpose is to:
- promote evidence-based and ethical best practice for the treatment of people with opioid and co-existing substance use disorders
- provide advice and expertise to the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, and other relevant organisations
- advocate for appropriate access to treatment and high-quality service delivery for people with opioid and co-existing substance use disorders.
NAOTP office holders are:
- co-chairs: Rachael Kenny and Sam McBride
- treasurer: Nikki Anderson
- secretary: Carina Walters
Contact
To find out more information about the OST support resources, please contact Jason Jones.
