Feasibility Research into the Controlled Availability of Opioids (Stage 2) : report and recommendations

Abstract

This report is the culmination of four years of research into the question: Should a carefully controlled and rigorously evaluated trial be conducted to determine whether or not the prescription of pharmaceutical heroin (diacetylmorphine) is a useful addition to current maintenance treatment for dependent heroin users? It recommends that two carefully controlled pilot studies should be conducted in Canberra. However, the addition of diacetylmorphine to maintenance treatment must not be linked with permissive attitudes to illicit drug use and must be coupled with continuing law enforcement and prevention activity against illicit drug use. Show more