title: Yet they failed to do so: recommendations based on the experiences of NAOMI research survivors and a call for action.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This article highlights the experiences of a unique group. In January 2011, Dave Murray organized a group of participants from the North American Opiate Medication Initiative (NAOMI) heroin-assisted treatment clinical trials from 2005 to 2008 in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver (DTES), B.C., Canada. The NAOMI Patients Association (NPA) is an independent group that currently meets every Saturday in the DTES. Currently, all members of the NPA are former participants in the heroin stream of the clinical trial. The NPA offers support, education, and advocacy to its members.
  
  
  METHODS
  Drawing on brainstorming sessions and focus groups that were conducted in the summer of 2011, this paper highlights the experiences of NPA members in their own words.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings provide a lens to understand how becoming a research subject for the NAOMI trial impacted the lives of NPA members, both positive and negative. The NPA members discuss ethics, consent, recommendations for future HAT programs and studies, and ongoing advocacy.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Boyd
authors.lastname: Naomi Patients Association
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics; D001955:British Columbia; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003415:Crime; D032984:Ethics, Research; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D003932:Heroin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D008297:Male; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D003932:Heroin