title: Economic and social effects of high-dose buprenorphine substitution therapy. Six-month results.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: CSST Bizia-Médecins du Monde/Bayonne, Centre Hospitalier de la Côte Basque, 64109 Bayonne Cedex, France. MDM.bayonne@wanadoo.fr
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lavignasse
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lowenstein
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Batel
authors.forename: Marie-Véronique
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Constant
authors.forename: Jean-Jacques
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Jourdain
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kopp
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reynaud-Maurupt
authors.forename: Bertrand
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Riff
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Videau
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mucchielli
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D002047:Buprenorphine