How does methadone work as a heroin-replacement therapy? And what about the longer-acting buprenorphine?

Tbel Abuseridze

Around 1% of Australian adults have tried heroin in their lifetime and 2.7% have used pharmaceutical opioids for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months.

These drugs attach to the opioid receptors in the brain, creating feelings of relaxation, wellbeing and reduced pain.