Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
10:35
A Procedure to Study the Effect of Prolonged Food Restriction on Heroin Seeking in Abstinent Rats
Published on: November 11, 2013
Use of general practice by intravenous heroin users on a methadone programme
E J Leaver1, J Elford, J K Morris
1Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London.
Summary
Intravenous heroin users in a methadone programme utilized general practice services more frequently than non-drug users. This included more routine consultations and significantly more missed and emergency appointments.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Intravenous heroin use presents significant challenges for primary care.
- General practices are key in managing patients undergoing methadone treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate general practice utilization by intravenous heroin users on a methadone programme.
- To compare healthcare seeking behaviors between drug users and non-drug users.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study in a London general practice in 1990.
- 29 intravenous heroin users on methadone were matched with 58 non-drug users.
- Analysis of patient records for consultations, missed appointments, and prescribed items.
Main Results:
- Methadone program participants had more routine consultations (median 14 vs 0) when excluding prescription-only visits.
- Drug users missed significantly more appointments (48% vs 0%, P < 0.001).
- Emergency appointments were more frequent among drug users (24% vs 3%, P < 0.01), with more prescribed items overall.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous heroin users in methadone programs demonstrate higher general practice engagement.
- Findings highlight potential resource implications for practices offering such services.
- Further research is needed to understand the impact on budget-holding practices.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Routes of Drug Administration: Parenteral
The administration of drugs via parenteral routes allows for direct drug introduction into the systemic circulation, resulting in high bioavailability because the medication bypasses the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and hepatic metabolism.
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
01:21Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Repetitive IV Injections
Calculating drug dosage and accumulation in multiple-dose regimens is crucial for achieving therapeutic efficacy while avoiding toxicity. This involves determining the plasma drug concentrations over time to optimize dosing schedules. The principle of superposition is fundamental in this process, allowing for the prediction of drug concentration in plasma following multiple doses based on single-dose data.The principle of superposition asserts that the plasma concentration-time curves from...
01:24Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions
Intermittent intravenous (IV) infusion is a method of drug administration where medications are delivered over short infusion periods followed by intervals of no drug delivery. This approach helps to prevent sustained high drug concentrations in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with prolonged exposure. Unlike continuous infusion, steady-state concentrations may not be achieved during a single dosing cycle but can be reached through repeated...
01:28IV Infusion to Oral Dosing: Conversion Methods
The development of extended-release formulations has facilitated the transition from intravenous to oral medication, offering a more convenient and patient-friendly approach to drug administration. This transition, however, requires careful management to ensure that therapeutic drug levels are maintained, preserving efficacy and avoiding adverse effects. Understanding pharmacokinetic principles and dosage calculations is critical during this process.Pharmacokinetics of the...
01:26Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is an essential intervention for patients experiencing severe kidney dysfunction. This therapy offers a continuous mechanism for removing fluids and toxins from the bloodstream, leveraging the patient’s blood pressure to facilitate filtration through a specialized filter. This method contrasts with intermittent dialysis, providing a gentler and more consistent removal of waste products and excess fluid, which is particularly beneficial in critically...