Treatment preferences of opiate-dependent patients

Abstract

Aims and method: To assess the preferences of people attending a substance misuse facility towards the treatment options available for opiate dependency. Interviews were conducted using a card sorting technique. Results: The majority (60%) of the 101 participants believed that detoxification was superior to maintenance in preventing illicit heroin use. The preferred treatment options were oral methadone, buprenorphine, drug-free rehabilitation, in-patient detoxification and prescription of injectable drugs. Clinical implications: Both pharmacological and psychosocial options, including in-patient detoxification and rehabilitation, are among the treatments preferred by clients of substance misuse services. There is also a significant demand for both injectable drugs and dihydrocodeine.