Substitution treatments for opiate-dependent users. An experience of the Integrated Addiction Treatment Center in Dakar

Abstract

Methadone and buprenorphine are the two maintenance treatments in opiate addicts authorised in France since the end of the 1990's. More recently, some African countries such as Senegal have implemented a new health policy focused on reducing the risks by encouraging the use of methadone as maintenance treatment. The objectives of maintenance therapy are to reduce morbidity and mortality related to the consumption of heroin and other street opioids, to promote the integration of drug users into the healthcare system, and more generally, to improve their social integration. However, this strategy might have limitations in practice. Here, we report the experience of the Integrated Addiction Treatment Center in Dakar, Senegal, and discuss ethical considerations at both the individual and collective levels, which may improve care of opiate-dependent users in practice, especially in Africa.