Abuse reduction in practice

This report illustrates how the strategy on abuse reduction works in practice with opiate abusers in Copenhagen.
The study shows that during treatment, contact with the abuser is often limited and primarily consists of medical treatment and help with social problems. Many abusers demand more active and outreaching treatment, preferably combined with realistic therapeutic treatment. The therapists/social workers interviewed have a common perception that it is almost impossible for opiate abusers to become drug-free, and therefore “stabilisation” on methadone is the best treatment alternative. However, some of the abusers interviewed in the survey want to gradually reduce their use of opiate or become totally drug-free, and they are frustrated that their methadone treatment means they are dependent on the treatment system. The abusers’ attitudes to becoming drug-free are complex and conflicting.
The report is based on 44 qualitative interviews with abusers and therapists/social workers from 10 different treatment centres in Copenhagen as well as analyses of 198 random abuser records in the Copenhagen treatment system.
This study was funded by the programme for strategic welfare research under the Ministry of Social Welfare.