This locally commissioned service (LCS) supports a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to treatment for opioid dependence in partnership with Camden Integrated Drug and Alcohol service: Change Grow Live (CGL) and the wider drug treatment system. Usually, patients assessed and stabilised on an opiate substitute medication by CGL, where suitable, will be referred to the GP to receive treatment under this LCS. Patients can access this LCS directly through the primary care team. However, a joint treatment plan with CGL is required for treatment commencement.

Eligibility Criteria:

• 18 years and over, registered with a GP
• objectively opioid dependent i.e 1) clinically assessed/observation of opioid withdrawal symptoms, 2) opioid positive urinalysis (or other near patient testing methods, such as oral fluid and/or breath testing where available, with confirmatory urinalysis).
• patients who would benefit from treatment within a primary care setting and are able to adhere to appointment-based treatment.

This LCS involve (see service specifications for more details):

• completing (in partnership with CGL) a recovery focused care plan including prescribing, using best practice, substitute (opiate and non-opiate) drugs or antagonists for maintenance, reduction and detoxification
• conducting an annual health review on substance use, screening for blood borne viruses (BBV) and referral for routine Hepatitis B immunisations; risk of cardiovascular complications, lifestyle factors and referral to the Camden Integrated Drug and Alcohol service: Change Grow Live (CGL) for alcohol misuse interventions, referral to specialist Breathe Stop Smoking service and Sexual Health Services: CNWL as appropriate.
• where eligible, conduct a NHS Health Checks under the NHS Health Checks Public Health LCS
• advise and provide written information to users, carers, partners and families about the effects, harms and treatment options for various common illicit drugs
• support patients towards achieving wider health and wellbeing goals including housing, employment, active lifestyle, engagement with volunteering, training and other recovery activities
• making every contact count by promoting and referring to in-practice recovery support through opportunistic assessment and case-finding.

For queries, contact Public Health via ph.lcs@camden.gov.uk.