[Analysis of drug consumption among ambulatory patients in a drug agency of Northern France (Lens)].

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the patterns of illicit psychoactive drug consumption, and the utilization of buprenorphine (BHD) in opiate-dependent patients interviewed in the drug agency of Lens. In our sample, multiple drug use was a massive phenomenon. Misuse of BHD was related to young age, multiple drug injection, gender (male) and risky injecting behavior. Multiple drug use was less frequent among patients with a BHD prescription. It is urgent that health professionals and decision-makers be aware of the heterogeneity of drug consumption habits and their impact on the utilization of drug maintenance treatment. Research is needed to understand the history and motivations for misuse and persistent injecting among some drug users. A national conference of consensus on how to implement and maintain treatments is a necessary step forward in caring for opiate drug addicts.