Harm Reduction International – in partnership with the European Opiate Treatment Association, the South Eastern European Adriatic Addiction Treatment Network and Schering-Plough – have created a set of media guidelines to assist in the reporting of constructive, accurate and responsible information in the field of opioid dependence. This initiative aims to help journalists to better understand the issues around opioid dependence, strike a balance in their reporting to avoid stigmatisation, and help encourage a different perspective which communicates positive messages about drug treatments.