Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jan 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial[Dutch research on the effectiveness of medical prescription of heroin; background, research design and preliminary results].
In the Netherlands the total number of heroin addicts amounts to approximately 25,000. Of these about 70% is in contact with the treatment system. The remaining 30% have not been seeking help, believes that no help is needed or has lost faith in a better future altogether. ⋯ During the treatment no medical complications have been observed and no serious public order or safety problems have occurred. Study participants have been very compliant both with the treatment regimen and the research requirements. The latter is indicated by the fact that 85% of all the two-monthly assessments have been completed.