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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2012, 14, 4 (pages: 65 - 80)

Barriers to treatment access and informed patient choice in the treatment of opioid dependence in Europe

Benyamina A., Stöver H.

Summary: According to the European Quality Audit of Opioid Treatment (EQUATOR) analysis, there is large variation across Europe in the conditions attached to treatment of opioid dependence. Treatment conditions, such as supervised dosing and the need to attend regular appointments, may constitute important barriers to treatment that may impact on successful outcomes for opioid-dependent individuals. Greater flexibility in the provision of treatment and improved education for patients, users and physicians with regards to therapy options may help to improve recruitment and retention of opioid users in treatment, and consequently improve patient outcomes.