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 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.
Lavignasse
Pierre
P
CSST Bizia-Médecins du Monde/Bayonne, Centre Hospitalier de la Côte Basque, 64109 Bayonne Cedex, France. MDM.bayonne@wanadoo.fr
Lowenstein
William
W
Batel
Philippe
P
Constant
Marie-Véronique
MV
Jourdain
Jean-Jacques
JJ
Kopp
Pierre
P
Reynaud-Maurupt
Catherine
C
Riff
Bertrand
B
Videau
Benjamin
B
Mucchielli
Alain
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D009026:Mortality; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000191:economics* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D012919:Social Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D002047:Buprenorphine