Study on users' perception of agonist opioid treatment in the Galician network of drug addiction

Background: The opiate derivatives treatment programme (ODTP) is a high-user-volume therapeutic programme in the Galician Network of Addictive Disorders (Red Gallega de Trastornos Adictivos RGTA). Aim: Our aim has been to assess the quality of life and the perceived satisfaction of ODTP users in the context of the Galician Network of Addictive Disorders (RGTA). Methods: This is an observational, prospective cohort study of patients enrolled in ODTP. Two groups were enrolled: the first consisted of patients initially treated in methadone maintenance programmes (MMPs) who then transferred to treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone (BUP-NLX), and the second of patients who stayed in their methadone maintenance programme. Two questionnaires, the Verona Service Satisfaction Scale for Methadone Treatment (VSSS-MT) and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q-SF), were distributed to participants at baseline and again at 3 months. Two discussion groups were formed. Results: A total of 135 patients (83 BUP-NLX, 52 MMP) were recruited. Satisfaction was associated with sex (p=0.023), length of drug use (p=0.019), cocaine use (p=0.021), mood disorders (p=0.049) and work activity (p=0.013). Quality of life was mainly associated with age (p=0.027), anxiety disorders (p=0.027), psychopharmacological treatments (p=0.004), medical and psychosocial follow-up (p=0.027), type of cohabitation (p=0.001), satisfaction with life (p<0.001) and treatment received (p=0.004). In the qualitative study, a greater number of advantages was mentioned by the discussion group treated with BUP-NLX than by the MMP group. Conclusions: ODTP users value their inclusion in these programmes, but patients treated with BUP-NLX evaluated their quality of life more favourably than patients in MMPs.