SY15-4 * PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS IN SOUTHERN EUROPE: FRANCE

Abstract

Background. Prescription opioid misuse in an increasing public health in many countries. The objective is to assess the prevalence of prescription opioid misuse in four European countries. Data from France are presented. Methods. Cross-sectional study. The rates of prescription drug misuse have been assessed using patient self-report at treatment program intake. Patients have been asked to self-report the use of use and injection history for European-market prescription opioids, prescription stimulants, and heroin, during the past 30-day. Also, basic demographic information, treatment history, and health care worker status have been recorded. Results. In France, a final sample of 144 subjects (77% males; 38,9years old) was recruited. The were 62,5% in treatment for heroin dependence; the rest (7) has as a main drug buprenorphine, codeine, methadone, morphine, fentanyl and tramadol. The main opioid abused drug during the last month was heroin, followed by buprenorphine, codeine, methadone and morphine. Those previously in treatment endorsed significantly less drugs, and less past 30-day use of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is the preferred first line medication for French opioid rehabilitation patients. Conclusions. Preliminary data show that besides heroin, there is a concomitant abuse of prescription opioids. The knowledge of drug use patterns can provide useful information to develop effective prevention and treatment.