The International journal on drug policy
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Int. J. Drug Policy · Jul 2017
Unintended impacts of regulatory changes to British Columbia Methadone Maintenance Program on addiction and HIV-related outcomes: An interrupted time series analysis.
In February 2014, several regulatory reforms were introduced to the methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program in British Columbia, Canada, including a switch to a ten-times more concentrated methadone formulation and restrictions in pharmacy delivery services. We evaluated possible unintended effects of these changes on illicit drug use patterns and HIV treatment outcomes among HIV-positive opioid users. ⋯ We observed immediate increases in illicit heroin injection and decreases in ART adherence in the wake of regulatory changes to the local MMT program. These findings underscore the need to consider potential unintended effects of altering health programmes for vulnerable populations, the need to develop appropriate mitigation strategies, as well as to involve all relevant stakeholders in the planning and implementations of new policies.
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Int. J. Drug Policy · Jul 2017
Willingness to pay for opioid agonist treatment among opioid dependent people who inject drugs in Ukraine.
In the context of decreasing external and limited Ukrainian governmental funding for opioid agonist treatments (OAT) for opioid dependent people who inject drugs in Ukraine, information on sustainable financial models is needed. ⋯ WTP for OAT was substantial among PWID in Ukraine, supporting the implementation of self-pay or co-payment programs. Such strategies, however, must remain affordable, provide better access to OAT, and consider specific needs of PWID.