Comparing Dihydrocodeine and Buprenorphine for Opiate Detoxification in Prisons
Author Information
Author(s): Laura Sheard, Nat MJ Wright, Hany G El-Sayeh, Clive E Adams, Ryan Li, Charlotte NE Tompkins
Primary Institution: Leeds Institute of Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Is buprenorphine more effective than dihydrocodeine for opiate detoxification in a prison setting?
Conclusion
Buprenorphine is more effective than dihydrocodeine for achieving abstinence from opiates in the prison environment.
Supporting Evidence
- 64% of eligible participants consented to the study.
- 70% of participants provided a urine sample at five days post detoxification.
- 57% of those on buprenorphine were abstinent compared to 35% on dihydrocodeine.
Takeaway
This study found that using buprenorphine helps more people stop using opiates than dihydrocodeine when they are in prison.
Methodology
A randomised controlled trial comparing buprenorphine and dihydrocodeine in a large remand prison, with urine tests to measure abstinence.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to participant preference and the chaotic environment of the prison.
Limitations
High turnover of prisoners led to significant loss to follow-up data.
Participant Demographics
Adult male prisoners, average age 29.8 years, with a history of illicit opiate use.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Confidence Interval
1.02–2.56
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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