Participants were recruited from 34 out of 35 available public and private opioid pharmacotherapy clinics in the greater Sydney region, New South Wales (NSW), between November 2005 and March 2008. Participating clinics were located in urban, suburban, regional and rural centres. An estimated 50% of opioid dependent persons in New South Wales are in opioid replacement therapy (ORT) at any one time [37]. Participants in ORT in New South Wales typically cycle in and out of treatment and many have tried several treatment modalities, including drug-free residential rehabilitation, and detoxification [38]. Before being accepted for ORT in NSW, individuals are assessed for opioid dependence. Respondents were eligible if they were aged 18 years or over; had an adequate understanding of English (in order to provide informed consent and participate in a long interview); and had participated in pharmacotherapy maintenance treatment for opioid dependence. Participants reporting recent suicidal intent or who were found to be psychotic were excluded from the study. A total of 1511 opioid dependent participants were interviewed. An estimated 5900 patients were dosing at the 35 ORT clinics
