(DOI:10.1159/000086401)
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
Prof. Dr. med. Norbert Scherbaum Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine Rheinische Kliniken Essen, University Hospital Essen Virchowstrasse 174, DE–45147 Essen (Germany) Tel. +49 201 7227 180, Fax +49 201 7227 303, E-Mail norbert.scherbaum@uni-essen.de |
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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
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Article / Publication Details
Published online: August 19, 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
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