Understanding Opioid Dependency: Support & Treatment

Opioid dependency – also known as opioid use disorder or opioid dependence – is a serious and complex medical condition that affects individuals, families, and communities. At My Doctors Clinic Surfers Paradise, we recognise the physical, emotional and social challenges associated with opioid dependency and are committed to offering compassionate, evidence-based care right here on the Gold Coast.

Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, understanding opioid dependency and the treatment pathways available can help you take the first positive step towards recovery.

opioid use disorder treatment at my doctors clinic surfers paradise

What Is Opioid Dependency?

Opioids are a class of medications commonly prescribed for pain relief. While safe and effective when used as directed, some individuals may develop tolerance, cravings, or dependence over time. Opioid dependency occurs when the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced. This condition is recognised medically as opioid use disorder. 

People living with opioid dependency may experience:

  • Strong cravings for opioids

  • Difficulty controlling or stopping use

  • Withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, sweating, nausea, or insomnia

  • Continued use despite negative impacts on life, health, or relationships

How We Help at My Doctors Clinic Surfers Paradise

At My Doctors Clinic Surfers Paradise, we take a personalised and holistic approach to opioid dependence treatment. Our medically supervised programs follow best practice guidelines and are designed to support each patient’s unique journey towards better health. 

1. Thorough Assessment & Individualised Care

At My Doctors Clinic Surfers Paradise, we take a personalised and holistic approach to opioid dependence treatment. Our medically supervised programs follow best practice guidelines and are designed to support each patient’s unique journey towards better health. 

 2. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Our clinic offers evidence-based medication-assisted treatment options under the Queensland Opioid Treatment Program (QOTP). This can include long-acting opioid medications such as buprenorphine depot injections (e.g., Buvidalor Sublocade), which help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while stabilising daily functioning.

3. On-Site Pharmacy & Support Services

With an on-site pharmacy located within the clinic, patients have easier access to prescribed medications and pharmacist consultation. Our team works collaboratively to ensure safe, coordinated care.

4. Holistic Health & Ongoing Monitoring

Opioid dependency affects both physical and emotional well-being. Our approach includes regular follow-ups, mental health support, and referrals to counselling or allied health professionals when needed.

opioid treatment on the Gold Coast Surfers Paradise

Common Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Dependency

Understanding the signs of opioid dependency can help you identify when to seek help:

  • Inability to stop or control opioid use

  • Taking opioids in higher doses or for longer than prescribed

  • Feeling anxious or irritable when not using

  • Neglecting responsibilities due to drug use

  • Continued opioid use despite negative consequences

Early intervention improves outcomes, and My Doctors Clinic Surfers Paradise is here to support you every step of the way.

Why Early Support Matters

Opioid dependency is not a moral failing — it’s a medical condition that benefits from early, evidence-based intervention. Untreated opioid dependency can lead to physical health risks, mental health challenges, and reduced quality of life. Seeking help early improves the chances of successful management and recovery.

Conclusion

At My Doctors Clinic Surfers Paradise, we understand that seeking help for opioid dependency can be challenging. Our dedicated team of GPs, allied health professionals and support staff provide compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to your needs. From personalised assessments to medication-assisted treatment and ongoing support, we are committed to helping you or your loved one regain control, improve health, and enhance quality of life.

Your path to recovery starts with one conversation — book an appointment with our opioid dependence treatment clinic in Surfers Paradise today and take the first step towards a healthier future.

FAQs

Opioid dependency can develop from long-term use of prescription painkillers or misuse of opioids. Genetics, mental health conditions and social stressors also contribute to risk.

Dependency refers to physical reliance on opioids, while addiction includes behavioural symptoms such as loss of control over use. Both require compassionate medical care.

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some people stabilize within weeks, while others benefit from longer-term support. Regular review and personalised plans help optimise care.

Yes. My Doctors Clinic Surfers Paradise welcomes local residents and visitors needing opioid dependence assessment or treatment. Our central Surfers Paradise location makes care accessible.

Absolutely. Our healthcare team follows strict privacy standards, ensuring your treatment remains confidential and respectful.

Dietician
Hossein Khosravi

Dr. Hossein Khosravi is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in chronic disease prevention and management, weight management, nutrition for pregnant women, children, the elderly, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

 

Areas of Expertise:

  • Chronic Disease Management: Tailored dietary recommendations and lifestyle modifications for conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney diseases.
  • Weight Management: Effective strategies and personalised plans to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Nutrition for Specific Populations: Customized diets for men, women, children, adolescents, and older adults.
  • IBS Management: Specialized nutritional plans to manage and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

 

Approach to Care:

Dr. Hossein believes that good nutrition is the foundation of overall health and well-being. He provides evidence-based nutritional guidance and supports patients in making informed dietary decisions, turning food into a source of pleasure and health.

 

Patient Services:

  • Nutrition Assessment and Consultation: Comprehensive evaluations to understand individual needs.
  • Diet and Lifestyle Modification: Personalized plans to foster healthy eating habits.
  • Special Dietary Requirements: Customized plans for specific health needs, including IBS.

Dr. Hossein’s extensive international experience and academic background, combined with his fluency in Persian/Farsi and English, make him a valuable resource for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Dr. Hossein is dedicated to helping patients achieve their health goals through expert nutritional advice and compassionate care. Whether managing a chronic condition, seeking weight loss, improving general health, or managing IBS, patients can rely on his extensive knowledge and support.

Physiotherapist
Benjamin Darcy

Benjamin Darcy is a highly skilled physiotherapist who began his career at Griffith University and honed his expertise in a hospital ICU setting. With experience across private practices in multiple cities, he has a strong background in sports physiotherapy, including work with elite teams like the Brisbane Broncos. Specializing in sports injuries, spinal pain, and WorkCover cases, Ben employs a hands-on approach, utilizing dry needling, manual therapy, and tailored exercise programs. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive, effective treatment to patients of all ages for a full return to function.

Podiatrist Paul Clarke

Paul Clarke is a Podiatrist who specialises in the treatment and rehabilitation of pain in the foot, ankle and lower limb. Paul has worked amongst multidisciplinary clinical settings including GP’s, Podiatric Surgeons, Vascular Surgeons & Specialists, Chronic disease specialists and Podiatrists who specialise in Biomechanics and orthoses manufacturing and modifications. Paul is a graduate of the University of Newcastle, New South Wales.

Paul has a reputation for being particularly skilled and precise with a scalpel. His professional clinical interests include but are not limited to:

  • Toe nail surgeries (both PNA/TNA with matrix phenolisation). Toe and nail pathologies (Elongated nails, toe and nail deformity and fungal nail infections).
  • Achilles Tendonopathies (Trained in shockwave therapy). Heel pain (Plantar fasciitis, fat pad atrophy, nerve entrapment, apophysitis and osteochondrosis)
  • Ankle pathologies (Sprains, nerve impingements and tarsal coalitions)
  • Forefoot pathologies (Forefoot deformities/pain, Morton’s neuroma, bursitis, bunions and arthritis). Mid foot pathologies (Osteoarthritis and Tibial Post dysfunction/adult acquired flatfoot deformity)
  • Hip and lower back pain from mal foot alignment and tibial/femoral torsion
  • Paediatrics (Wart debridement, developmental growth milestones, orthotics, general assessments and deformities of the lower limb)
  • Diabetic assessments and education
  • Biomechanics and orthoses manufacturing and modifications (Custom and off the shelf devices and biomechanical assessments).

 

Paul Clarke forms a great asset to any multidisciplinary clinical team. Renowned for his kind and warm nature, Paul tends to build great rapport with patients and medical professionals alike.

Physiotherapist Patrick Harrington

Patrick Harrington Physiotherapist, B Ex Sc, M Phty Patrick has a strong interest for learning about the human body and educating on the best ways to ensure successful rehabilitation when injured.

Patrick graduated Griffith University with a Bachelor in Exercise Science, followed by a Masters in Physiotherapy degree. With a background in competitive surf-lifesaving and swimming, he has a passion for treating and educating on injuries relating to the musculoskeletal system. Patrick approaches each individual patient by educating and empowering them, in order to achieve the best health outcomes possible.

Patrick’s professional interests include:

Musculoskeletal Injuries: Treating areas including shoulders, neck & lower back, ankles, hips, and wrists, by creating programs containing manual therapy and exercises to benefit each individual patient.

Cardiorespiratory Conditions: Education and use of a variety of breathing techniques, as well as walking programs to obtain the best health outcomes.

Neurological Conditions: Retraining of gait, developing muscle strength, and developing a specific program in order to restore deficits as much as possible.

Dietitian Kailey Henry

Kailey has a passion for food and learning how nutrients interact and influence the health of our bodies.
Kailey graduated with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics from Griffith University on the Gold Coast, and has since been sharing her passion and expertise within the community through individual consultations and group education. Kailey takes a holistic and individualized approach to nutrition, with a focus on empowering each individual to make positive, lifelong lifestyle changes through achievable goals.

Kailey’s professional interests include, but are not limited to:

  • Paediatric nutrition and pregnancy/breastfeeding
  • Education & strategies for fussy eaters, faltering growth, meeting key nutrition recommendations for conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Chronic disease management
  • Nutritional management of diabetes, cholesterol health, cardiovascular disease, COPD, renal disease and liver disease.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Minimising abdominal discomfort, improving altered bowel habits, education on food choices for self-management.

Dr Day Hong Ma

Qualifications: Currently registered in the Medical Council of Australia as a Vocational Registered GP and Specialist General Surgeon. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery University of Adelaide, South Australia MBBS. Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh and London Master degree in Skin Cancer Medicine in University of Queensland. Extensive experience in various aspects of General Practice. In the past I have been a Senior Lecturer of the University of Queensland and Assistant Professor of Bond University involving teaching medical students. I was a supervisor for the Royal Australasian College of General Practice, involved in training junior GP. I also trained many Overseas Trained Doctors. At the present time I am a GP with the following special interests : 1. Skin Cancers skin cancer checks with Mol Max and dermoscopy. I was awarded a Professional Diploma of Dermoscopy from the International Dermoscopy Society surgical excisions of complex skin cancers ( sun cancers and melanomas ) non surgical approach to some skin cancers and precancerous lesions such as Photo Dynamic Therapy and cautery and curettage. 2. Cosmetic Medicine This includes micro needling, and injectables such as fillers and neuromuscular modulators. I have completed the training course under the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and Australian Skin Skills Education and Training. Dr Ma also speaks Chinese Mandarin

Dr Greeshma Tummala

I am overseas trained GP and practiced for more than 5 years in India although completed AMC licensing exam here. In India, I have practiced in all aspects of general practice.

My areas of Interest are: Women’s Health, cervical cancer screening, Antenatal Care, Child Immunisations, Chronic Disease Management, Implanon Insertion and Removal, Mental Health, Pregnancy Counselling, Travel Vaccinations, Women’s Health, Medicinal Treatment.

Dr. Tariq Hayat Jamaldini

Qualifications: MBBS, AMC Certified, FRACGP, Fellowship Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Speaks: English, Balochi, Brahui, Hindi, and Urdu

Dr. Tariq Hayat Jamaldini is a highly experienced General Practitioner (GP) / Family Medicine Physician with a distinguished career spanning over 20 years in the field of healthcare. Renowned for his profound knowledge, comprehensive and compassionate approach, Dr. Tariq Jamaldini ensures that every family member, from infants to seniors, receives the individualised care they deserve. With a strong commitment to promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of his patients, Dr. Tariq Hayat Jamaldini has solidified his reputation as a trusted healthcare professional in the community. His medical practice is built on a foundation of integrity, empathy, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of those he treats. Through his dedication to continues learning and clinical excellence, he has expertly diagnosed, treated, and managed a wide range of health conditions, placing him at the forefront of Family Medicine.

Areas of Expertise:

Dr. Tariq Jamaldini’s diverse expertise encompasses various areas of medicine, making him a well-rounded practitioner capable of addressing a wide range of patient needs. His dedication to improving the health and well-being of his patients continues to be the driving force behind his successful medical career. 

  • General Practice: Tariq Hayat Jamaldini is a trusted General Practitioner (GP) who focuses on providing a wide range of general medical services to patients of all ages. Whether you need preventive care, health assessments, or treatment for common illnesses, you can trust Dr. Jamaldini to deliver compassionate and personalized healthcare with his holistic approach.  
  • Cosmetic Medicine: Dr Tariq Hayat Jamaldini has been actively involved in performing cosmetic procedures since 2009. His interest in cosmetic medicine reflects his belief in the importance of helping patients look and feel their best. His expertise in cosmetic procedures, such as anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, allows him to provide patients with safe and effective solutions to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence.
  • Skin Cancer: Tariq Jamaldini takes a proactive approach to skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. His comprehensive knowledge of skin cancer, coupled with his skill in performing screenings and providing treatment options, has saved many lives. 
  • Medicinal Prescriber: Tariq Jamaldini is a certified and authorized specialist prescriber for medicinal, helping patients manage chronic pain and various medical conditions with this alternative therapy. His thorough understanding of the medical benefits of ensures that patients receive the best possible care. 
  • Men’s Health: Tariq Jamaldini understands the unique healthcare needs of men and provides specialized services tailored to men’s health concerns. Whether its addressing issues related to prostate health, sexual health, hormonal imbalances, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculations, hair loss or overall wellness, Dr. Jamaldini is here to support men in their healthcare journey.
  • Opioid Dependence Treatment: Dr Tariq Jamaldini has been a licensed opioid prescriber with Queensland Opioid Treatment Program since 2013. During this time, he has successfully treated and stabilized a significant number of patients who were struggling with opioid dependency. If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of opioid addiction, Dr. Jamaldini provides compassionate and evidence-based treatment choices. His steady dedication is focused on assisting individuals in their journey to overcome addiction and reclaim their health and overall well-being.

Dr Tariq Hayat Jamaldini dedication to providing high-quality healthcare, combined with his multifaceted expertise, makes him a respected and valued member of the medical community. His patients appreciate his unwavering commitment to their well-being and the comprehensive care he provides across various medical disciplines.

Book an online appointment or call: 07 55922299

Dr Altaf Latif Ayyaril

General Practitioner, Male, MBBS, AMC, Fellowship Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.Speaks Malayalam, and English  Dr Altaf Latif Ayyaril is a vocationally qualified and experienced General Practitioner from India having completed his Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, India in 2002. He started his medical career in various medical facilities in Kerala, India. He moved to Australia in 2007 and commenced working at Alice Springs Hospital, NT. He has since worked in hospitals in Melbourne, Gold Coast, Toowoomba and commenced General Practice in 2016 in Kilcoy QLD followed by North Stradbroke Island and Beaudesert. He was awarded a Fellow of the Royal Australia College of General Practitioners in 2021. Dr Altaf has special interests in Chronic Disease Management, Acute Management and Mental health amongst other areas of General Practice. He also performs skin cancer checks and minor skin procedures. Dr Altaf speaks Malayalam in addition to English.  

Areas of interest:

  • General Family Medicine
  • Mens health
  • Chronic disease management
  • Health assessments
  • Mental health
  • Skin cancer Checks
  • Minor surgical procedures.

Dr Paul Fisher

Diploma of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Dip RACOG) Dr.Fisher qualified as a Pharmacist before completing a medical degree at The University of Tasmania. After working in hospitals & General Practice in Tasmania & Queensland, He commenced work at My Doctors Clinic (formerly The Day & Night Medical Centre) 20 years ago. He is a Medical Officer in The Air Force Reserve & has worked as a Doctor for the Defence Department over the past 30 years. Paul is interested in all areas of General Practice with a special interest in Mental Health (He is a Doctor for Beyond Blue), Obstetrics (Maternity) & Diabetes.