RESUMO
Objective : With the increase in opioid dependence in South Africa; medical practitioners are increasingly confronted with requests to treat patients with opioid use disorders. Many medical practitioners; however; do not possess the required knowledge and skills to effectively deal with these patients. An overview of the medical treatment of opioid dependence is provided. Method : A working group of key doctors working in the field of substance dependence; was elected at an Opioid Experts Meeting and compiled guidelines for the management of opioid dependence. This article provides a summery of these guidelines. Recommendations are based on current best practice as derived from scientific evidence and consensus of the working group. It should never replace individual clinical judgment