Heroin Prescription and History

Abstract

In this issue of the Journal, Oviedo-Joekes et al.1 report on the results of the North American Opiate Medication Initiative (NAOMI) trial comparing methadone with injectable diacetylmorphine (the active ingredient in heroin) for the treatment of heroin addiction. These data from North America point to a conclusion that has been widely supported, although not without controversy, by similar recent studies in Europe.2 The results of this trial may be added to those from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. Switzerland has 10 years of experience in the prescription of heroin, and in a November 2008 referendum, 68% of voters were . . .