New treatment could help heroin addicts kick habit for good
A groundbreaking medication that is helping heroin addicts get their lives back on track is to be rolled out across Renfrewshire.
Buvidal is a slow- release opioid substitute, which is administered to people in a monthly injection provided at ‘depots’ that will soon be created in Paisley and the surrounding areas.
The depot injection is an alternative to treatments such as methadone as the drug helps block opioid receptors in the brain for up to one month.
A trial of 14 patients in Glasgow last year found that, following six months of treatment, all patients remained engaged in structured activity, such as working with the recovery community, undertaking occupational therapy, employment or training.
It been described as a “lifechanging” approach, with many of those receiving the medication able to focus on improving their lives and overall health.
Buvidal is now being given to 100 people addicted to opioids across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area, with the injections being administered by the board’s alcohol and drugs recovery services teams.
The health board says the service will be rolled out to people with opioid dependency in Renfrewshire in the near future, stating more training will be provided to clinicians soon.
Trina Ritchie, lead clinician for NHSGGC’s alcohol and drug recovery services, said: “Buvidal is a welcome addition to treatment options for people who use heroin and other opioids.
“While it’s not ideal for everyone, many of those who have taken up this treatment option are experiencing real life-changing benefits.
“Working on expanding the service is a key priority and while Glasgow is currently treating the highest number of patients in Scotland, we’d like to see the service expanded across regions to help provide ongoing Buvidal treatment across Scotland and the UK.”
The Buvidal programme has also been identified as a positive treatment in the current Covid-19 crisis as it reduces the need for patients to attend pharmacies to receive daily doses of methadone.
And, for those with young families, there is no risk of children accidentally ingesting opioid medication found in the house.
Jennifer Kelly, prescribing pharmacist for NHSGGC’s alcohol and drug recovery services, added: “Patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive following the pilot and, as we move into remobilisation of the health service post- covid, use of depot injections and specifically Buvidal helps navigate challenges around social distancing.
“Buvidal works best for those patients committed to moving away from opioid use, helping block opioid receptors in the brain for up to one month.
“As a result, this allows patients to engage with the services they need, such as occupational therapy, mental health and social services, and to become more involved with the recovery community, which provides the long-term support required to help make sure that they do not relapse into old habits.”
Many ... are experiencing real life-changing benefits
Trina Ritchie