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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2009, 11, 2 (pages: 31 - 40)

Voices of Experience: Attitudes and Opinions of Recipients of Unsupervised Injectable Opiate Treatment in the Northwest of England

Orgel M., Wilson A., Leavey R., Sell L., Zador D.

Summary: Aims and Methods: To describe the views and experiences of drug users receiving unsupervised injectable opiate treatment (IOT) for opiate addiction, the most common current form of injectable treatment in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were completed by 29 IOT recipients from two Community Drug Teams in northwest England. Findings: Attitudes of most respondents were positive with personal and social benefits: reduction or cessation of illicit drug use; health gains; more “normal” lifestyle; reduced criminal activity. IOT recipients were not a homogeneous group and had different needs and goals. Conclusions: Individuals valued the stability IOT had brought to their lives. The treatment challenge is how to maintain stability without allowing drift into inertia. Much of the IOT debate has been led by service providers and academics. IOT recipient views have been neglected and this study adds a new voice.