Economic and social effects of high-dose buprenorphine substitution therapy. Six-month results

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of high-dose buprenorphine substitution therapy in opiate-dependent patients in terms of use of psychoactive substances, associated risks, social integration, and the social cost generated by the use of these substances. This was a longitudinal qua...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inAnnales de médecine interne Vol. 153; no. 3 Suppl; p. 1S20
Main Authors Lavignasse, Pierre, Lowenstein, William, Batel, Philippe, Constant, Marie-Véronique, Jourdain, Jean-Jacques, Kopp, Pierre, Reynaud-Maurupt, Catherine, Riff, Bertrand, Videau, Benjamin, Mucchielli, Alain
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published France 01.05.2002
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Buprenorphine - administration & dosage
Buprenorphine - economics
Buprenorphine - therapeutic use
Cost of Illness
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Female
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Morbidity
Mortality
Narcotic Antagonists - administration & dosage
Narcotic Antagonists - economics
Narcotic Antagonists - therapeutic use
Opioid-Related Disorders - economics
Opioid-Related Disorders - rehabilitation
Psychotropic Drugs - administration & dosage
Risk Factors
Social Behavior
Treatment Outcome
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of high-dose buprenorphine substitution therapy in opiate-dependent patients in terms of use of psychoactive substances, associated risks, social integration, and the social cost generated by the use of these substances. This was a longitudinal quantitative survey carried out in 1083 patients who were evaluated at three times: at the beginning of substitution therapy (D0), at 6 months and then at 12 months follow up (M6, M12). Data were collected with an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, completed in the presence of an investigating physician. Results demonstrated that patients treated with high-dose buprenorphine for 6 months, consumed fewer psychoactive drugs (heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines) and had fewer associated risks. Additionally, several criteria involved in social integration showed improvement; morbidity and mortality decreased after the first 6 months of substitution therapy. These improvements were followed by a reduction in the social cost of drug use generated by the group of patients considered. These initial results require confirmation in the final analysis of the study taking into account the 12-month follow up.
ISSN:0003-410X