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Monday, October 12, 2009

Alcohol usage and associated treatment outcomes for opiate users entering treatment in Ireland
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Article in Press 12 October 2009

Evidence has shown that frequency and quantity of drug usage are reduced after treatment but the effect of opioid addiction treatment on alcohol consumption remains unclear.

Analysis revealed that those who abstained from alcohol use at 3 years were less likely to be using heroin at 3 years than non-abstainers. In addition, those who abstained from alcohol use at 3 years were also less likely to be using methadone, benzodiazepines and cocaine at 3 years than alcohol users.

Outcomes for medium and heavy drinkers were found not to be as good as alcohol abstainers.

Finally males tended to reduce the frequency and level of alcohol usage after entering treatment more than females.

Results demonstrate to clinicians that an alcohol strategy is a key component of opiate treatment planning and a comprehensive and regular assessment of the client's alcohol and drug use profile is essential if treatment interventions are to have maximum impact on outcomes.


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