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Biomedical subjects

O Blix

Publications and source records attributed to O Blix.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

[Methadone used in the treatment of opioid dependence].

Norway has been a stronghold of restrictive attitudes and scepticism towards the use of methadone in treatment of heroin addiction. A policy of nation-wide use of methadone has now been adopted. This paper gives a short history of the use of methadone, a review of present neurobiological knowledge and a description of the different approaches in methadone based treatment. Methadone treatment does not reduce opioid dependency but compensates for neurobiological complications of long-term use. This increases the ability to profit from psychosocial approaches in treatment and reduces the tendency to risk-taking and socially disturbing behaviour. Norway aims to follow the "Swedish" model in methadone policy with emphasis on high threshold, high dose treatment combined with control and systematic rehabilitative measures. This choice should be evaluated both in a comparative and in a treatment oriented perspective.

Heroin Dependence↗
PubMed1999

[The Oslo methadone project].

Of a total of 161 patients referred to a high threshold methadone project, 50 patients with an average age of 37 years and more than ten years of heroine use were included. Retention was 72% after three years, none had died by overdoses during methadone treatment, and criminality and prostitution were negligible. The overdose mortality was significantly reduced compared to those on waiting list while the difference in mortality from all causes was less convincing. Drug-taking continued for a considerable portion of the patients, and continued control and follow-up was necessary. Methadone cannot replace other types of treatment, but is a valuable contribution when such treatment is integrated in a comprehensive management. Active rehabilitation efforts are essential.

Adult↗