[Outcome of a sample of heroin addicts 2 years after the beginning of treatment (project EMETHYST)]

Abstract

The Multicentric Study for the Evaluation of Treatment and Follow-up of Narcotic Addicts (EMETYST project) recruited 311 heroin addicts who asked for treatment between March and July, 1985, and who have been followed for two years. The sample was obtained from 16 specialized outpatient drug-free clinics. 78% of patients were males, their mean age was 24 years, and 73% lived with their parents or relatives. During the last year, 53% had been working and 17% had been in jail, 61% had started treatment for the first time. Throughout the follow up a reduction in the use of heroin, cannabis and tranquilizers was observed, as well as an improved psychological status and a reduction in illegal activities. By contrast, the use of cocaine, alcohol and tobacco did not change. There was no increase, either, in the proportion of persons who either studied or worked, and their judicial status, as measured by the number of police arrests, trials and imprisonments, showed a deterioration. The improvements found after 6 months persisted throughout the follow up. After 2 years, 54% abstained from heroin use. The patients that remained more than 90 days on therapy and those without previous judicial procedures had a better overall outcome.