Commissioned pathway for individuals with severe prescription opioid dependence

1) Is there a commissioned pathway within your local authority area for individuals with severe prescription opioid dependence (for example, codeine, dihydrocodeine, tramadol, morphine or oxycodone dependence) to access assessment for opioid substitution treatment (OST) where clinically indicated?

Yes, there is a commissioned pathway in Lincolnshire to support individuals with a dependence to prescribed opioid dependence.  This would include assessment and evidenced based interventions based on clinical need.

1a) If such a pathway exists, which service or provider is responsible for delivering this treatment?

Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership

2) Can methadone and/or buprenorphine be prescribed for individuals whose primary dependence is on prescribed opioids rather than illicit opioids?

Where individuals are obtaining prescription opioids illicitly and are clinically dependent, LRP may reduce the dose of the opioid being used or switch to a long acting opioid such as buprenorphine.

Where individuals are legitimately prescribed opioids, prescribing responsibility remains with the GP.  LRP can provide specialist advice to support prescribing decisions.

3) Are there any restrictions, exclusions or eligibility criteria that would prevent an individual with prescription opioid dependence from accessing OST?

There are no barriers based on the type of opioid dependence itself.  However, commissioning arrangements determine whether the treatment provider or GP will be responsible for prescribing OST.

4) How many individuals whose primary substance was a prescribed opioid received opioid substitution treatment within your area during the most recent 12-month period for which data is available?

Information not held by the local authority

5) If OST is not available for people with prescription opioid dependence, what treatment pathway is commissioned for these individuals?

Not applicable.  OST is available as per previous responses.

1. Yes, there is a commissioned pathway in Lincolnshire to support individuals with a dependence to prescribed opioid dependence.  This would include assessment and evidenced based interventions based on clinical need.

            1a.       Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership

2.         Where individuals are obtaining prescription opioids illicitly and are clinically dependent, LRP may reduce the dose of the opioid being used or switch to a long acting opioid such as buprenorphine.

Where individuals are legitimately prescribed opioids, prescribing responsibility remains with the GP.  LRP can provide specialist advice to support prescribing decisions.

3.         There are no barriers based on the type of opioid dependence itself.  However, commissioning arrangements determine whether the treatment provider or GP will be responsible for prescribing OST.

             4.         Information not held by Lincolnshire County Council.

             5.         Not applicable.  OST is available as per previous responses.