Control study of buprenorphine sublingual tablets and methadone for heroin addicts on out patients treatment during recovery period

Abstract

Objective To observe the effect of buprenorphine sublingual tablets (Bup) and methadone for heroin addicts on out patients treatment during recovery period. Methods Heroin addicts who completed acute drug detoxification treatment were assigned in the order of cross to the observation group and control group. The observation group and the control group were treated with Bup and methadone, respectively for six months. Both groups were observed on the time of keeping heroin abstinence during the treatment and were assessed with Anxiety Scale before and after Bup or methadone treatment. Results Bup group kept abstinence from heroin longer than methadone group ( P ＜0.01 ) ,and had lower anxiety scores( P ＜0.05). Conclusion Bupernorphine sublingual tablets used for out patients at recovery period could better alleviate heroin addicts' anxiety and prolong their abstinence time. Key words: Buprenorphine sublingual tablets; Methadone; Heroin addicts