Research Report
Use of Illegally Acquired Medical Opioids by Opiate-Dependent Patients in Detoxification TreatmentScherbaum N.a · Kluwig J.a · Meiering C.a · Gastpar M.baDepartment of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine and bDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Rheinische Kliniken Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Article / Publication Details
Published online: August 19, 2005
Issue release date: August 2005
Number of Print Pages: 4
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 2
ISSN: 1022-6877 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9891 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/EAR
Abstract
Take-home dosages in maintenance treatment are of great therapeutic importance, but they include the risk of the substitute being distributed illegally. We reviewed the extent of consumption of illegally acquired medical opiates by 142 opiate- or poly-addicted patients consecutively admitted to a detoxification ward. 76 (53.5%) of them admitted to taking illegally acquired medical opiates, usually methadone, at least once. The cumulative duration was 30 days (median). Motivation was usually due to difficulties in acquiring heroin, however one third reported use in an attempt at self-detoxification or as transition before entering maintenance treatment. Maintenance patients were usually the source of the opiates. The results prove the necessity of stringent conditions for take-home dosages, and illustrate deficits in the health care system.
© 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel
References
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German Federal Regulations for Prescription and Use of Controlled Substances (Betäubungsmittelverschreibungsverordnung, BtMVV), BGB1 2001;28:1180–1200. www.bundesgesetzblatt.de/bgbllf/b1findex.htm.
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Article / Publication Details
Published online: August 19, 2005
Issue release date: August 2005
Number of Print Pages: 4
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 2
ISSN: 1022-6877 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9891 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/EAR
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
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