Medical Assisted Treatment of Opiate Dependence with Buprenorphine/Naloxon (Suboxone®) of Heroin Addicts in Prison Who Are Aging Penalties

Abstract

Aim: To describe the treatment of opiate addicts who had to spend certain period in prison, after introduced in outpatient administering of substitution medicament Buprenorphine/Naloxon in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Methodology: We assessed 10 male opiate addicts aged 24.8±4.7 years.
With presentation of clinical vignettes, authors described how opiate dependants with criminal past imprisoned in jail because of aging penalties avoided discontinuation of treatment after they were included in the Buprenorphine/Naloxon maintenance treatment program. This practice has been implemented in cooperation of Department of Psychiatry in Tuzla and Tuzla prison from 27 July 2009.
Results: All opiate dependants described with clinical vignettes showed surprised with positive effects on overall outcomes of Buprenorphine/Naloxon after implementation of continual treatment in prison in cooperation with jail officers (nurse and guards). Also they were very satisfied with life quality during treatment in prison. Also jail officers, family members of dependant person showed satisfaction with achieved efficacy of Buprenorphine/Naloxon eider during aging penalties.
Conclusion: Medically assisted treatment of opiate dependence with Buprenorphine/Naloxon for imprisoned addicts implemented as outpatient treatment with involvement of jail officers who were instructed in Buprenorphine/Naloxon daily administration, improved quality of life of treated opiate dependants, and quality of their relations in prison with others.