Heroin Dependence Recovery

Santos, Monika Maria Dos; Staden, Fred J Van

doi:10.1080/14330237.2008.10820206

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…The outcomes of the study suggest the importance of matching persons presenting with heroin use disorders to intervention. Assessment may identify the nature and severity of the heroin-related problem, to understand why it arose, to assess its consequences and to establish the strengths and weakness of the client and his or her situation; this finding is also mirrored in the studies of Dos Santos and Van Staden (2008), Terry (2003) and McIntosh and Mckeganey (2002) [ 14 - 16 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Outpatient care, apart from its cost efficiency, may be indicated for socially stable individuals without coexisting acute medical or severe psychiatric problems. The differences in problems and in the individuals with these problems must be taken into account before one can make an informed decision about what type of treatment intervention is likely to be most appropriate, findings of which are supported by the studies of Dos Santos and Van Staden (2008), Gossop (2003) and Gruber, Chutuape and Stitzer (2000) [ 14 , 20 , 21 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

An approach to heroin use disorder intervention within the South African context: A content analysis study

Santos

Rataemane

Fourie³

et al. 2010

Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy

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BackgroundThe field of heroin use disorder intervention has been in transition in South Africa since the outbreak of the heroin epidemic. Yet despite growing evidence of an association between heroin users' use of supplementary intervention services and intervention outcomes, heroin use disorder intervention programmes in South Africa generally fail to meet international research-based intervention standards.MethodsSemi-structured interviews with ten heroin use disorder specialists were conducted and the interviews were subjected to content analysis.Results and DiscussionIn terms of theory and practice, findings of the study suggest that the field of heroin use disorder intervention in South Africa remains fragmented and transitional. Specifically, limited strategic public health care polices that address the syndromes' complexities have been implemented within the South Africa context.ConclusionsAlthough many interventions and procedures have begun to be integrated routinely into heroin use disorder clinical practice within the South African context, comorbidity factors, such as psychiatric illness and HIV/AIDS, need to be more cogently addressed. Pragmatic and evidence-based public health care policies designed to reduce the harmful consequences associated with heroin use still needs to be implemented in the South African context.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An approach to heroin use disorder intervention within the South African context: A content analysis study

Santos

Rataemane

Fourie³

et al. 2010

Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…As highlighted in other studies local studies a thorough assessment to inform the care plan needs to be conducted [ 10 , 30 ]. Comorbidity concerns such as psychiatric illness need to be cogently taken into account, integrated in approach and addressed.…”

Section: Conclusion and Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rapid assessment response (RAR) study: drug use and health risk - Pretoria, South Africa

Santos

Trautmann

Kools

2011

Harm Reduction Journal

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BackgroundWithin a ten year period South Africa has developed a substantial illicit drug market. Data on HIV risk among drug using populations clearly indicate high levels of HIV risk behaviour due to the sharing of injecting equipment and/or drug-related unprotected sex. While there is international evidence on and experience with adequate responses, limited responses addressing drug use and drug-use-related HIV and other health risks are witnessed in South Africa. This study aimed to explore the emerging problem of drug-related HIV transmission and to stimulate the development of adequate health services for the drug users, by linking international expertise and local research.MethodsA Rapid Assessment and Response (RAR) methodology was adopted for the study. For individual and focus group interviews a semi-structured questionnaire was utilised that addressed key issues. Interviews were conducted with a total of 84 key informant (KI) participants, 63 drug user KI participants (49 males, 14 females) and 21 KI service providers (8 male, 13 female).Results and DiscussionAdverse living conditions and poor education levels were cited as making access to treatment harder, especially for those living in disadvantaged areas. Heroin was found to be the substance most available and used in a problematic way within the Pretoria area. Participants were not fully aware of the concrete health risks involved in drug use, and the vague ideas held appear not to allow for concrete measures to protect themselves. Knowledge with regards to substance related HIV/AIDS transmission is not yet widespread, with some information sources disseminating incorrect or unspecific information.ConclusionsThe implementation of pragmatic harm-reduction and other evidence-based public health care policies that are designed to reduce the harmful consequences associated with substance use and HIV/AIDS should be considered. HIV testing and treatment services also need to be made available in places accessed by drug users.

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