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Would You Consider Prescribing Syringes to Injection Drug Users? Addiction Medicine Conference Survey

NCJ Number
199939
Journal
Journal of Addictive Diseases Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: 2003 Pages: 67-78
Author(s)
Lynn E. Taylor M.D.; Valgerdur Runarsdottir M.D.; Amy Zampi M.D.; Albert Osei M.D.; Stephanie Sanford M.P.H; Grace Macalino Ph.D.; Michelle McKenzie M.P.H; Scott Burris J.D.; Merik Gross M.D.; Steven E. Reinert M.S.; Josiah D. Rich M.D.
Date Published
2003
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A survey of physicians (n=497) was conducted to determine their attitudes and practices regarding prescribing syringes to injection drug users (IDUs) to prevent disease transmission.
Abstract
The survey was conducted at the 2000 American Society of Addiction Medicine Conference. Of the 497 physicians surveyed, 104 responded, representing 30 States and 3 countries. Seventy-eight percent of the responders had provided care for IDUs. Only 2 percent had prescribed syringes to such patients for safer injection of illegal drugs. Nineteen percent of the physicians had prescribed syringes to diabetic patients whom they believed would use the syringes for injecting illegal drugs. The most common reasons given for not prescribing syringes were that it was ineffective (47 percent) and that injection drug abuse is illegal (34 percent). Twenty-eight percent were concerned about legal ramifications. Few (16 percent) believed that doctors should not get involved with injection drug abuse. Only 8 percent were concerned that IDUs would make their office less comfortable for other patients. Of those who would prescribe syringes to IDUs conditionally, the most common condition was that the prescription should involve referral to addiction treatment (89 percent). Overall, 61 percent of the responders would consider prescribing syringes to IDUs. This can be part of a comprehensive approach to preventing the spread of HIV and other infections, decreasing complications of syringe reuse, and bringing IDUs into medical and substance abuse treatment. 3 tables, 1 figure, and 28 references

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