Opioid Dependence Treatment in Lahore | OAMT & Buprenorphine at Mayo Hospital

Opioid Dependence Treatment in Lahore: OAMT and Buprenorphine Services at Mayo Hospital

Opioid dependence is a serious but treatable medical condition that can affect physical health, mental health, family life, employment and social functioning. With appropriate assessment and evidence-based treatment, people who use opioids can achieve greater stability, reduce health risks and work towards long-term recovery.

The Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment (OAMT) Centre at Mayo Hospital, Lahore is now fully functional and providing OPD-based services to patients with opioid dependence.

The centre provides structured, evidence-based treatment using a bio-psycho-social approach, with individualized treatment planning according to each patient’s clinical needs.

What is Opioid Dependence?

Opioid dependence may develop following regular or prolonged use of opioids such as heroin, opium, pharmaceutical opioids or other opioid-containing substances.

Over time, a person may develop:

* Strong cravings or an inability to control opioid use * Tolerance, requiring increasing amounts to achieve the desired effect * Withdrawal symptoms when opioid use is reduced or stopped * Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop using opioids * Continued use despite physical, psychological, family or occupational problems * Significant time spent obtaining, using or recovering from opioids

Opioid dependence is not simply a matter of willpower. It is a medical and psychiatric condition that can benefit from structured professional treatment.

What is Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment (OAMT)?

Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment (OAMT) is an evidence-based approach for managing opioid dependence.

It uses an appropriate opioid agonist medication under medical supervision to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, improve treatment retention and help patients move towards a more stable and functional life.

At the OAMT Centre at Mayo Hospital, sublingual buprenorphine is administered under supervision as part of an individualized treatment programme.

Medication is only one component of treatment. Effective addiction care also considers the patient’s psychological health, family environment, social circumstances and other substance-use or psychiatric conditions.

OAMT Services at Mayo Hospital, Lahore

The OAMT Centre provides OPD-based services six days a week, Monday to Saturday.

Services include:

1. Comprehensive assessment

Patients undergo assessment of:

* Pattern and severity of opioid use * Other substance use * Withdrawal and craving * Physical health * Psychiatric symptoms * Co-morbid psychiatric conditions * Psychosocial circumstances * Family and occupational functioning * Previous addiction treatment

2. Supervised sublingual buprenorphine

Buprenorphine may be used as part of a structured treatment plan for opioid dependence. Its use, dose and continuation are determined by the treating clinical team according to the patient’s individual clinical circumstances.

3. Medical management

Patients receive regular clinical assessment and monitoring throughout treatment.

4. Counselling and psychosocial support

Recovery from opioid dependence involves more than medication. Counselling and psychosocial interventions can help patients understand triggers, improve coping skills, address behavioural difficulties and strengthen recovery-oriented goals.

5. Psychiatric assessment and management

Opioid dependence may occur alongside depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, trauma-related problems or other psychiatric conditions.

Identifying and appropriately managing co-morbid psychiatric conditions is an important part of comprehensive addiction treatment.

6. Regular follow-up and monitoring

Patients are followed regularly to assess treatment response, opioid use, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, mental health and overall functioning.

7. Inpatient treatment when clinically indicated

Where a patient’s clinical condition requires a higher level of care, inpatient admission facilities are available when clinically indicated.

Who Can Benefit From OAMT?

OAMT may be considered for people experiencing opioid dependence who are seeking structured treatment and require medical management of opioid use.

People using opioids should not delay seeking professional help because of fear, stigma or previous unsuccessful attempts at stopping.

A proper assessment is important because the appropriate treatment plan differs from person to person.

If You Are Using Opioids, You Can Seek Information and Facilitation

If you or someone close to you is currently using opioids and wants to understand the available treatment options, you can contact the OAMT Centre for information and guidance.

You do not need to wait until the situation becomes severe.

People who are unsure whether they meet criteria for opioid dependence can also seek an assessment. The clinical team can evaluate the pattern of opioid use, withdrawal, cravings, mental health and other relevant factors and guide the person regarding appropriate treatment.

Seeking information is an important first step.

Treatment should be approached without judgment and with respect for the patient’s privacy and dignity.

A Message for Families

Families often experience considerable distress when a loved one is dependent on opioids.

Repeated attempts to stop, withdrawal symptoms, cravings and relapse can be difficult for both the patient and family.

Rather than relying solely on confrontation or punishment, families can encourage the individual to seek professional assessment.

A structured addiction treatment programme can provide medical care, psychological support, monitoring and a clearer pathway towards recovery.

Referral for Psychiatrists and Healthcare Professionals Across Punjab

Psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals across Punjab are encouraged to refer patients with opioid dependence who may benefit from structured treatment at the OAMT Centre.

The centre welcomes collaboration with colleagues to improve access to evidence-based addiction treatment.

Referral may be particularly useful when a patient has:

* Established opioid dependence * Recurrent opioid use despite attempts to stop * Significant opioid cravings or withdrawal * Previous unsuccessful treatment attempts * Co-morbid psychiatric problems * Psychosocial difficulties associated with opioid use * A need for structured maintenance treatment and follow-up

Patients are assessed individually and provided with a management plan based on their clinical needs.

OAMT Centre Mayo Hospital Lahore — OPD Timings

Monday–Saturday: 8:00 am–2:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am–1:00 pm

The service is OPD-based, with inpatient admission available where clinically indicated.

Contact for Information and Facilitation

For information regarding treatment, assessment, referral and facilitation:

Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar Consultant Psychiatrist & Addiction Specialist Incharge, Addiction Unit, Mayo Hospital, Lahore Focal Person, OAMT Centre, Mayo Hospital Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, KEMU, Lahore

WhatsApp: 03217773379

Patients, families and healthcare professionals may send a WhatsApp message to obtain information regarding the service and appropriate referral or treatment pathways.

Addiction Treatment Requires Compassion, Evidence and Continuity

Opioid dependence is a treatable condition, but recovery often requires ongoing medical, psychological and social support.

The goal of treatment is not simply to stop opioid use for a few days. A comprehensive treatment programme aims to improve stability, reduce harm, address psychiatric and psychosocial problems, improve functioning and support sustained recovery.

The OAMT Centre at Mayo Hospital, Lahore is providing a structured pathway for people with opioid dependence to access professional assessment and evidence-based treatment.

If you or someone you know is using opioids and wants help, reaching out for information is a positive first step.

Healthcare professionals across Punjab are also encouraged to refer suitable patients for assessment and treatment.

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Quick Information

Service: Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment (OAMT) Location: Mayo Hospital, Lahore Treatment: Supervised sublingual buprenorphine as clinically indicated Approach: Bio-psycho-social, individualized treatment OPD: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 am–2:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am–1:00 pm Contact: WhatsApp 03217773379 Focal Person: Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar