Learn

Rapid stabilisation in the early phase of opioid dependence treatment is crucial for longer-term engagement and outcomes, and clinicians are exploring the role of long-acting injectable buprenorphine not just as a maintenance option, but as a tool for earlier stabilisation and greater treatment consistency.

Join an expert faculty to examine how and when to initiate depot therapy, with a focus on higher-dose induction strategies and their role in supporting rapid symptom control, improved engagement, and treatment continuity. Participants will gain clarity on timing, dosing, and patient selection – particularly when considering higher-dose initiation and transition from methadone or sublingual therapy in real-world practice. Practical guidance will be provided to help clinicians translate these approaches into confident, day-to-day decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the role of long-acting injectable buprenorphine in the early-phase management of opioid dependence
2. Analyse the clinical and pharmacological rationale for dose optimisation, including when higher-dose depot strategies may support symptom control, retention and treatment continuity
3. Apply evidence-informed initiation and rapid-induction pathways to support safe and effective depot buprenorphine treatment in appropriate patients
4. Develop practical primary care workflows for monitoring, dose review, safety planning, documentation and follow-up when managing patients receiving opioid dependence pharmacotherapy
5. Assess patient suitability for earlier depot buprenorphine initiation, taking into account clinical presentation, treatment history, withdrawal risk, engagement needs, comorbidity, patient preference and safety considerations.

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