title: Low-threshold services for problem drug users in Hungary.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The main objective of this study was to explore how harm reduction (HR) approach and low-threshold approach are realised at low-threshold services (LTSs) in Hungary in comparison with the guidelines presented in different policy papers (European Union drugs strategies) and national regulations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hungarian LTSs were investigated: 29 organisations out of 44 (66% return rate) were reached with questionnaires and 40 LTS workers were interviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The LTSs have difficulties reaching their target group, distributing sufficient sterile syringes and interpreting the concept of 'low-threshold' and HR, sometimes defining them as a transient stage to abstinence-based treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study results suggest that Hungarian LTSs need to be re-orientated toward more emphasis on health-related issues.
authors.affiliation: Research Institute on Drug Studies, Eötvös University, Budapest.
authors.forename: Katalin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Melles
authors.forename: Ferenc
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Márványkövi
authors.forename: Jozsef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rácz
mesh_terms: D040261:Harm Reduction; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D018671:Needle-Exchange Programs; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires