The Response of Out-Patient Opiate Addicts to the Provision of a Temporary Increase in their Prescribed Drugs

Abstract

Addicts who use illicit drugs despite receiving a maintenance prescription present a difficult management problem for drug dependence clinics. A small group of such addicts were observed and their response to the provision of a temporary increase in their prescribed opiates were examined. This increase led to a reduction in illicit drug use and to improvements in social functioning. These and other findings are discussed. Clinics should be more prepared to consider such temporary increases, but the need for careful monitoring and for the involvement of more than 1 member of the treatment team is stressed.