Journal of addictive diseases
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A variety of surveys and studies are examined in an effort to better understand the scope of prescription drug diversion and to determine whether there are consistent patterns of diversion among various populations of prescription drug abusers. Data are drawn from the RADARS System, the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, the Delaware School Survey, and a series of quantitative and qualitative studies conducted in Miami, Florida. ⋯ In all of the studies examined, the use of the Internet as a source for prescription drugs is insignificant. Little is known about where drug dealers are obtaining their supplies, and as such, prescription drug diversion is a "black box" requiring concentrated, systematic study.
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Methadone dosing has been an issue of controversy among clinicians for a long time. Few recent studies reported that doses above 100 mg daily seem promising in better control of illicit opiate use for some patients, but more research is needed to support that notion. A retrospective chart review for patients maintained on methadone at Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center was conducted. ⋯ ASI scores for drugs did not show statistically significant improvement for the moderate dose group (p =.19) but showed statistically significant improvement for the high dose group (p =.0002) when the result of the first and last ASI scores among each group were compared. The ASI scores for family problems showed statistically significant improvement for the moderate dose group (p =.03). High doses of methadone greater than 100 mg daily may provide a better outcome for illicit opiate use among some patients who would not respond to moderate doses.