Recent evolution in opiate dependence in France during generalisation of maintenance treatments

Two maintenance drugs had been used in France since 1996, methadone and hig h-dosage buprenorphine. This study aimed to examine changes in drug use fro m observations gathered between 1995 and 1997, within the framework of the French program for the monitoring of drug dependence (OPPIDUM). This annual survey studies psychoactive substances consumed by drug addicts attending specialised drug care centres. During the last three surveys, 16 centres co llected a total of 1597 patient-files. This study shows an increase in the number of patients undergoing maintenance treatment (from 14 to 69%), a red uction in the number of intravenous drug users (from 55 to 22%) and a reduc tion in consumption of psychoactive substances. However, poly-drug addictio n behaviour continues and high-dose buprenorphine subjects frequently use t he substance intravenously and in association with benzodiazepines. (C) 200 1 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.