Abstract
Aims and MethodThis study aimed to assess the current level of amphetamine prescribing for adults in drug services in the West and East Midlands. A questionnaire was developed to investigate prescribing habits and attitudes, and was addressed to the senior member of staff in each drug service within the West and East Midlands area.ResultsA total of 41 services were identified, and 29 questionnaires were returned (a 71% response rate). Of the services that replied, 20 (69%) prescribed amphetamines, with 132 (12%) patients identified as amphetamine misusers currently receiving a prescription. However, 26 (90%) services felt that substitute prescribing did have a role in a comprehensive service for this group.Clinical ImplicationsAlthough amphetamine prescribing has been shown to reduce both criminal and injecting behaviour, only two-thirds of the local services prescribe such drugs, with a small percentage of amphetamine users receiving a prescription. There is a need for a national consensus about substitute prescribing of amphetamines and increased flexibility within drug services when managing the problem.
Highlights
There is a need for a national consensus about substitute prescribing of amphetamines and increased flexibility within drug services when managing the problem
Nineteen (66%) stated that they had prescribed them as a substitution for illicit amphetamine use, three (10%) for attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), nine (31%) because amphetamine misuse had led to original papers
This was the first local survey of current practice and attitudes toward prescribing amphetamines, and the aim was to examine this issue from the perspective of drug service providers
Summary
A questionnaire was developed to investigate prescribing habits and attitudes, and was addressed to the senior member of staff in each drug service within the West and East Midlands area
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