Time for Change Survey and Report

39 was significantly higher among respondents who identified as a professional, as a friend of someone who uses drugs, or as someone who uses drug s 23 . In this context it is worth noting the recent Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) reforms by the Australian Government that came into effect on 1 July 2023 and listed opioid medications on the PBS for the first time. This measure has significantly reduced the cost of OTP medicines for the majority of people on OTP in Australia who have their medications dispensed through community pharmacy and previously, were forced to pay uncapped, unregulated and discriminatory private fees to access their OTP medications. Figure 16. Support for affordable access to Opiate Dependency Treatment Programs for those who need and want treatment for opioid dependence Some people left additional comments on the need for reforms to ODTP and other assisted therapies: “[We need] amphetamine assisted therapy (access to an amphetamine in place of street meth) and access to diamorphine as a form of OAT, [as well as] access to injectable OST medications.” “[We need] more choice in pharmcotherapy (ODTP) - we don't want opioid antagonist treatments. Hydromorphone perhaps?? Or Diacetylmorphine” “We also desperately need more ODTP prescribers, AOD services and rehab and detoxes - especially in regional areas.” “Access to ODTP in prison - currently you need to be on the opioid program prior to being incarcerated so for people addicted to heroin they often have to detox in prison.” 23 For further information on the PBS ‘affordability’ reforms see: https://www.harmreductionaustralia.org.au/treatment-equity/