Opioid substitution treatments in France: recent data

Tendances n°94, OFDT, 6 p.
October 2014

Nearly twenty years after they were first launched in France (1995), opioid substitution treatments (OSTs) remain a cornerstone of the country’s harm reduction policy. As part of medical, psychological and social treatment, OSTs promote access to care for opioid-dependent drug users and reduce morbidity, mortality and social harm.

This analysis presents a summary of the latest OST data available. It is a follow-up to a series of studies initiated in 2002 of opioid substitution medication (OSM) reimbursement data. Other sources are also used in this issue of Tendances, which begins with presenting an estimate of the number of people receiving OSTs in France and in Europe. Then, there is a description of the relevant population, distinguishing between approaches to follow- up and treatment dispensing as well as a discussion of the issue of misuse and diversion. There is also a discussion on the control measures put in place and OSM related morbidity and mortality risks. Finally, there is a brief discussion on “the French model” of substitution therapy.

Authors : Anne-Claire Brisacier, Cédric Collin

Download the PDF file (1,33 Mo)