ABSTRACT
Because of pharmacological characteristics methadone is an interesting substitutive opiate compound. However, the most important aspect of maintenance treatment consists of the accompanying global medico-social care. Useful as a therapeutic alternative in some severe and chronic heroin addictions, methadone is useless and even dangerous in other cases. Its efficacy in preventing AIDS epidemics has not been clearly established.
Subject(s)
Methadone/therapeutic use , Substance-Related Disorders/rehabilitation , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/prevention & control , Contraindications , Humans , Methadone/administration & dosage , Methadone/pharmacologySubject(s)
Methadone/therapeutic use , Adult , Benzodiazepines/therapeutic use , Drug Prescriptions , Female , Heroin Dependence/rehabilitation , Humans , Male , Methadone/administration & dosage , Middle Aged , Morphine Dependence/rehabilitation , Opioid-Related Disorders/rehabilitation , Paris , Patient Compliance , Time FactorsABSTRACT
We report the results of two studies carried out in the Drug Addiction Unit of Fernand-Widal hospital, on the use of presynaptic alpha-mimetic drugs in the treatment of heroin addicts. The authors briefly recall the mode of action of these drugs, and then describe the methodology of these two studies of Guanoxabenz and Guanfacine; characteristics of this group, outcome of therapy, mode of prescription, side effects. The results are analysed and compared with the usual methods of treatment using synthetic opiates.
