Substitution therapy with buprenorphin at the AT out-patient department in České Budějovice

Overview

In medical practice almost every clinical decision also has a moral dimension. Of all branches of medicine that holds by far the most in psychiatry.

Often, one has to consider and weigh one moral value against another.

In the paper the author wishes to focus on the criteria that have to be set for buprenorphin substitution therapy for the specific clientele of the AT out-patient department.

Each criterion is characterized and substantiated, being grouped into those for inclusion, termination, or exclusion from the substitution therapy. The criteria applied at the AT out-patient department are compared with those in western Europe, Great Britain, and the USA.

The conclusion is substantiated with two case reports.

Key words:

substitution therapy – buprenorphin – opiates – addiction to psychotropic substances – standards of substitution therapy