Misuse of Substitution Drugs in the Substitution-Based Therapy.

BACKGROUND

The reasons for, and the extent of, misuse of prescribed substitution medication as well as parallel consumption of other drugs during substitution-based therapy have still not been adequately researched in Germany.

METHODS

This study examines the use of substitution medication in German substitution clinics utilizing a nationwide survey with anonymised questionnaires.

RESULTS

The analysis of the 605 questionnaires showed a 30-day consumption prevalence of 8.8% with regard to misuse of substitution substances. The lack of available heroin (38%) and the lack of open spots in treatment programs (21%) were quoted as being the main reasons for the misuse of substitution medication.

CONCLUSION

Although the misuse of substitution medications is considered an important problem, our study showed that the current misuse was prevalent only among a minority of the patients. German regulations focused on the avoidance of misuse might be partially contributing to the problem.