New guidelines for Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) released

Te Pou is proud to support the recent release of the New Zealand Practice Guidelines for Opioid Substitution Treatment 2025, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora.

These guidelines, released on October 16, replace the previous 2014 version and mark an important milestone in the delivery of compassionate, consistent, and evidence-informed care for people and whānau affected by opioid use disorder.

Every year in New Zealand, more than 5,000 people receive Opioid Substitution Treatment (also known as OST). OST is an evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction and supports a life defined not by addiction, but by the possibility of stability, healing, and reconnection.

Free OST resources

To support the 2025 guidelines, Te Pou has developed and updated a number of OST resources. These include an e-learning and resources for tāngata whai ora and whānau.

• The OST e-learning is a free e-learning that has been updated in line with the 2025 OST practice guidelines and is recommended for all professionals working in OST delivery
• OST and you: A guide to opioid substitution treatment is for people who are on OST or thinking of engaging with OST, and their 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.
• Real people talk about their lives is a collection of stories from people across Aotearoa New Zealand 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, person-centred care.
• What is opioid substitution treatment? is a short introductory resource for whānau and friends of someone who is on or considering OST. It provides answers to some of the frequently asked questions including what OST is, OST and pregnancy, and what Naloxone is.

These resources can be accessed on the Te Pou website.

The practice guidelines are available on the Ministry of Health website.

Acknowledging the mahi

Te Pou acknowledges and thanks everyone involved in the development of the updated guidelines, including clinical leaders, tāngata whai ora, whānau, and those with lived experience who contributed their expertise and perspectives.

Each person who uses OST is on their own unique journey and deserves the best possible support.

Our team is proud to have played a role in supporting this important mahi, which strengthens OST practice and ensures people and whānau receive compassionate, equitable, and evidence-informed care across Aotearoa New Zealand.