A 24‐week outcome following buprenorphine maintenance among opiate users in India

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the outcome at 24 weeks following a community‐based treatment programme using buprenorphine maintenance among male opiate users in Dimapur, Nagaland ( India).

Design: Quasi‐experimental prospective follow‐up study.

Participants: Fifty‐four male current opiate users were recruited following fulfilment of inclusion criteria from a community. All users seeking treatment met the DSM III‐R criteria for opioid dependence.

Methods: All subjects received buprenorphine (1.2–1.8 mg sublingually per day) from a community clinic and attended psychosocial sessions. Measurements included an assessment of demographic and clinical variables, Addiction Severity Index (ASI), retention in treatment, drug use at baseline and follow‐up at 24 weeks.

Findings: The mean age of sample was 26.3±4.1 years, with a mean duration of opioid use of 4.0±3.8 years. The retention rate was 81.5% at 24 weeks. Scores on the Addiction Severity Index decreased and injecting use reduced. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: Buprenorphine was found to be effective with greater retention rates and less opioid use. Results support the theory that community‐based setting to provide maintenance treatment with very low staff investment from a community clinic can be initiated and replicated safely and effectively in India. However, future work on evaluation of higher doses is recommended.

• Community maintenance
• buprenorphine
• India
• outcome
• retention

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the role of World Health Organisation (SEARO) office in India for funding the project. We thank Dr Lanu Aier, Psychiatrist in Dimapur for helping us in conducting the study and collection of data.