Expansion of opiate agonist treatment: an historical perspective
2006

The History of Opiate Treatment Expansion

Sample size: 11000 Commentary Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Robert G Newman

Primary Institution: The Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute of Beth Israel Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University

Hypothesis

Will buprenorphine fulfill its potential in treating opiate addiction?

Conclusion

The success of buprenorphine in treating opiate addiction depends on government commitment to provide care to all who need it.

Supporting Evidence

  • Buprenorphine can be prescribed by independent practitioners, unlike methadone.
  • The New York City Health Department program had an active enrollment of approximately 11,000.
  • Government support is crucial for the success of addiction treatments.

Takeaway

This article talks about how a new medicine called buprenorphine can help people with opiate addiction, but we need the government to help make sure everyone can get it.

Potential Biases

There is a risk of bias due to the stigma associated with methadone treatment affecting the acceptance of buprenorphine.

Limitations

The article discusses the lack of significant increase in addiction treatment capacity since the 1970s.

Participant Demographics

The article references the heroin-dependent population in New York City.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1477-7517-3-20

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