[Follow-up of opioid addicts treated with high-dose buprenorphine in a health care network. National retrospective study. Experience of French general physicians]. / Suivi de patients pharmacodépendants aux opiacés traités par buprénorphine haut dosage à partir de réseaux de soins. Etude rétrospective nationale. Expérience de médecins généralistes français.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This study was designed to examine the profile of drug-dependent outpatients treated by general practitioners working in a health care network and to evaluate the impact of treatment with high-dose buprenorphine on their medical and social status. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken by 71 general practitioners, selected at random from physicians in four health care networks. Data for the period between June and December 1997 concerning the initial prescription, the first stabilization prescription and the most recent prescription, was collected retrospectively. RESULTS: Among the outpatients included in this study, high-dose buprenorphine treatment resulted in a clear reduction in the use of heroin (69.9%) and benzodiazepine (57.1%). It also reduced associated risks of infection and social vulnerability. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study seems to show that care by general practitioners proceeds satisfactorily. The majority of opiate-dependent outpatients were compliant with treatment and successfully reintegrated into society. This method of treatment will be effective if specialised training is given to the general practitioners within the framework of a health care network.