| Title | Treatment of heroin dependence with buprenorphine in primary care. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2002 |
| Authors | Fiellin, David A., Michael V. Pantalon, Juliana P. Pakes, Patrick G. O'Connor, Marek Chawarski, and Richard S. Schottenfeld |
| Journal | The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pagination | 231-41 |
| Date Published | 2002 |
| ISSN | 0095-2990 |
| Keywords | Administration, Sublingual, Adult, Ambulatory Care, Buprenorphine, Combined Modality Therapy, Connecticut, Counseling, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Drug Administration Schedule, Feasibility Studies, Female, Heroin Dependence, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Primary Health Care, Social Support, Treatment Outcome, Urban Population |
| Abstract | Buprenorphine is an effective treatment for heroin dependence. The feasibility and potential efficacy of buprenorphine with brief counseling in primary care is unknown. We enrolled 14 heroin dependent patients in a 13-week clinical trial using thrice weekly buprenorphine along with brief counseling in the primary care center of an urban medical center. Primary outcomes included urine toxicology and treatment retention. Opioid-positive urine toxicology tests reduced over the 13-week period from 95 to 25% (p < 0.05). Eleven patients (79%) had greater than or equal to one week of opioid-free urine toxicologies. Nine patients (64%) had greater than or equal to three weeks of opioid-free urine toxicologies. Eleven patients (79%) were retained through the maintenance phase. We conclude that buprenorphine maintenance is feasible in a primary care setting. |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2011.01335.x |
| Alternate Journal | Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse |
