The acceptability of combined methadone-naloxone treatment: Consumer and provider views on the potential utility of methadone-naloxone.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to investigate the acceptability of methadone-naloxone through interviews with potential consumers and treatment providers about their attitudes and beliefs about combining methadone with naloxone.


METHODS
Qualitative study with structured surveys and individual interviews with nine consumers and 11 treatment providers.


RESULTS
Fear and issues around trust were identified as barriers to consumer acceptance of methadone-naloxone. Respect for the choices that consumers made about their treatment and drug use, and clear and open communication were identified as necessary to win consumer acceptance. Both groups had concerns about the safety and efficacy of methadone-naloxone compared with methadone, but also most identified potential benefits from a new opioid treatment option.


CONCLUSIONS
For both groups, the acceptability of methadone-naloxone depended upon an informed assessment of risks and benefits best addressed by further research into the efficacy, tolerability and safety of methadone-naloxone.
Shearer
James
J
The Langton Centre, Sydney, Australia.
Mammen
Kristie
K
Bell
James
J
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009270:Naloxone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004338:Drug Combinations; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009294:Narcotics; D009270:Naloxone; D008691:Methadone