Original research
by
Strang, John et al
Release Date
2010
Geography
UK
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
No
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
No
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
We aimed to compare the effectiveness of supervised injectable treatment with medicinal heroin (diamorphine or diacetylmorphine) or supervised injectable methadone versus optimised oral methadone for chronic heroin addiction.
Findings/Key points
Treatment with supervised injectable heroin leads to significantly lower use of street heroin than does supervised injectable methadone or optimised oral methadone. UK Government proposals should be rolled out to support the positive response that can be achieved with heroin maintenance treatment for previously unresponsive chronic heroin addicts.
Design/methods
3 site open-label RCT, n=127
Keywords
Evidence base
Policy/Regulatory
Safer supply
Advocacy
About prescribers
Outcomes
Illegal drugs
Substitution/OAT