[Effect of maintenance treatments on social life. A study with general practitioners].

Abstract

The objective of this retrospective study was to describe drug maintenance treatments (DMT) in ambulatory care, and to evaluate their impact on social life. A convenience sample of 665 patients on DMT was recruited by 94 general practitioners in three geographic areas (Ile-de-France, Alsace, Aquitaine), and interviewed face to face by independent staff with a standardized questionnaire on three periods (one month before DMT, 6 months after beginning of DMT and 1 month before inclusion within the survey). Among the 665 patients, 76% were on buprenorphine, 20% on methadone, and 4% on morphine sulfate. Consumption of heroin and other psychoactive drugs was lower 6 months after DMT initiation. Patients were more likely to have relationships with people who did not have any problem with alcohol and drugs after DMT initiation than before treatment. They were also more likely to spend their free time alone after having begun DMT than before. All markers of social vulnerability evaluated through standardized questionnaires (employment, housing, social insurance, days of in-patient treatment related to drug consumption and number of condemnations) were improved after a six-month period with DMT. This research contributes to demonstrating the positive impact of DMT both on drug consumption and social life. Health professionals should include social support in their clinical practice.