Opioid dependence is a chronic relapsing disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Its signs and symptoms reflect compulsive, prolonged self-administration of opioids, which typically results in a tolerance where abrupt discontinuation of the substance will cause a withdrawal.
It was estimated in 2012 that a minimum of 0.3% of New Zealanders aged 15-64 years were dependent on opioids and this number is thought to be increasing.
