Original research
by
Blanken, Peter et al
Release Date
2009
Geography
Netherlands
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
No
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
No
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
To describe 4-year treatment retention and treatment response among chronic, treatment-resistant heroin-dependent patients offered long-term heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) in the Netherlands.
Findings/Key points
Long-term HAT is an effective treatment for chronic heroin addicts who have failed to benefit from methadone maintenance treatment. Four years of HAT is associated with stable physical, mental and social health and with absence of illicit heroin use and substantial reductions in cocaine use. HAT should be continued as long as there is no compelling reason to stop treatment.
Design/methods
Observational cohort study
Keywords
Evidence base
Harm reduction
Safer supply
About prescribers
Outcomes
Illegal drugs
