Heroin-based treatment in Europe - State and perspectives in research

Presenting the results of the third big clinical study on heroin assisted treatment in Europe clinical and scientific evidence of this approach is proved. The targeted population of IVDU not reached by the existing substitution can be addressed effectively. Their health status improves often dramatically. But also delinquency is dropping, consumption of other psychotropic substances is going down and other social changes are improving the situation of the clients. The history of this research is presented and the key results of the main studies are compared. Nearly none treatment approach in the addiction was evaluated so critical and sophisticated. What are the consequences for the further development of the system of care? What can this research offer to the overall debate on models and theory of addiction?