[Reducing the use of addictive drugs in clinical practice].
BACKGROUND
The use of benzodiazepines (BDs) and cyclopyrrolones (CPs) has drawn a great deal of political attention over the past years. There are estimated to be approximately 100,000 BD addicts in Denmark. This article describes a simple but effective method of reducing the use of addictive drugs in clinical practice.


METHODS
Two solo clinics in Thyborøn-Harboøre Community decided to work strictly according to directive CIR no. 12 of 13 January 2003. All BDs and CPs were prescribed for one month at a time and could be renewed only by the doctor after a personal consultation. This monthly requirement forced the doctor as well as the patient to evaluate whether the existing prescription pattern or a drug-reducing regime was indicated. The prescription pattern was monitored using Ordiprax, which showed the amount of prescription medicines sold by pharmacies.


RESULTS
After 15 months, the patients" use of BD was reduced by 50% and their use of CP by 75%. The process of changing prescription habits was far easier than expected. An entire group of patients, previously invisible to the doctors, was exposed. During the first three months, only four to five additional consultations for every 1,000 assigned patients were required each week. There was practically no need of any assistance from our usual partners, such as psychiatrists, hospitals, special wards for addictive treatment or primary health care.


CONCLUSIONS
We strongly recommend that this simple procedure be made a daily routine when prescribing either a BD or a CP.
Jørgensen
Viggo Rask Kragh
VR
Medicinenheden Ringkjøbing Amt, Ringkøbing. VKJ@DADLNET.DK
Toft
Birgit Signora
BS
Fogh
Max van Soest
Mv