Balancing access to opioid substitution treatment (OST) with preventing the diversion of opioid substitution medications in Europe: challenges and implications

Introduction

This report reviews how opioid substitution treatment (OST) is implemented in European countries and examines the public health consequences of the diversion and misuse of prescription OST medications. It looks at how OST medications are diverted to the illicit market, the motivations behind diversion and misuse, and considers the measures to prevent diversion and how they must ensure that the treatment remains available and accessible for those who need it.

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Table of contents

  • Acknowledgements
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Access to opioid substitution treatment in Europe
  • Diversion and misuse of prescription opioid substitution treatment medications
  • Prevention of diversion of opioid substitution treatment medications
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Glossary
  • References
  • Further reading
  • Appendix
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