Original research
by
Verthein, Uwe et al
Release Date
2008
Geography
Germany
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
No
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
No
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
The present study describes the association between 2 years of heroin treatment and improvements in health and social stabilization, as well as illicit drug use.
Findings/Key points
Symptoms of physical (Pillai's trace = 0.837, df = 4, P 0.001) and mental health (Pillai's trace = 0.450, df = 4, P 0.001) improved during treatment. Street heroin use declined rapidly (Pillai's trace = 0.836, df = 4, P 0.001), as did cocaine use (Pillai's trace = 0.280, df = 4, P 0.001).
Design/methods
Prospective cohort study: A total of 515 patients were assigned to diamorphine treatment; 278 patients remained in the study treatment for the entire period of 24 months (54.8%).
Keywords
Evidence base
Safer supply
Advocacy
About prescribers
Outcomes
Illegal drugs
Social benefits
Mental health
