Addiction
-
Buprenorphine is marketed in a sublingual formulation for treatment of opioid dependence. A transdermal formulation has been developed that may provide extended relief from opioid withdrawal, reduce required clinic visits and improve adherence, while having less potential for diversion and abuse. This study evaluated the safety and biodelivery (blood levels) of this transdermal buprenorphine formulation (i.e. buprenorphine patch), and its apparent efficacy in suppressing the opioid withdrawal syndrome. ⋯ The significant biodelivery of buprenorphine and the suppression of the opioid withdrawal syndrome during patch application and its reappearance after patch removal indicate clinically useful pharmacodynamic activity. Transdermal buprenorphine may be a useful opioid detoxification treatment that reduces compliance concerns, and delivers buprenorphine in a formulation less likely to be diverted to illicit use.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
What difference does training make? A randomized trial with waiting-list control of general practitioners seeking advanced training in drug misuse.
To measure changes in knowledge, attitudes and clinical practice of general practitioners (GPs) enrolled to receive training in the management of drug misusers. ⋯ GPs seeking special training for the care of drug misusers are both positively disposed to this patient population and clinically active. Benefits unambiguously attributable to the course were modest. While a TR effect was observed, strict adherence to ITT analysis failed to identify significant benefits observed with the training provided. Randomisation and waiting-list controls design are insufficient as a research method for training evaluation studies if ITT analysis is used exclusively.
-
We examine the phenomenon of low-frequency smoking (non-daily smoking or smoking = 5 cigarettes daily) among California Latinos and address its implications for addiction theory and population tobacco control. ⋯ The fact that most Latino smokers are low-frequency smokers calls for a new theoretical framework--beyond withdrawal-based theories--to account for the prevalence of this behavior on the population level. It also calls into question the harm-reduction approach as a tobacco control strategy for California Latino populations. Strategies emphasizing that every cigarette can hurt, and encouraging complete cessation, seem more fitting for this group of smokers.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Motivational interviewing versus feedback only in emergency care for young adult problem drinking.
To establish the efficacy of a brief motivational intervention compared to feedback only when delivered in an emergency department for reducing alcohol use and problems among young adults. ⋯ This study provides new data supporting the potential of the motivational intervention tested to reduce alcohol consumption among high-risk youth.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Brief alcohol intervention and alcohol assessment do not influence alcohol use in injured patients treated in the emergency department: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
To evaluate the effectiveness of brief alcohol intervention (BAI) in reducing alcohol use among hazardous drinkers treated in the emergency department (ED) after an injury; in addition it tests whether assessment of alcohol use without BAI is sufficient to reduce hazardous drinking. ⋯ This study provides the evidence that a 10-15-minute BAI does not decrease alcohol use and health resource utilization in hazardous drinkers treated in the ED, and demonstrates that commonly found decreases in hazardous alcohol use in control groups cannot be attributed to the baseline alcohol assessment.