Methadone is currently the primary pharmacotherapy used in the treatment of heroin dependence in Australia. Levo-alpha-acetyl-methodol (LAAM) and buprenorphine are new pharmacotherapies that are being examined as alternatives to methadone maintenance in Australia. This study compared the driving abilities of these clients with two control groups. Twenty methadone, LAAM, and buprenorphine clients participated in this study which involved operating a driving simulator over a 75 minute period. These clients attended four sessions; pre-dose with and without alcohol, and post-dose with and without alcohol. Control participants only attended an alcohol and no-alcohol session. Preliminary results indicate that methadone clients had slightly lower standard deviation of lateral position, buprenorphine clients had the fastest reaction times, and LAAM clients had the lowest standard deviation of speed. Comparisons with the control groups and road safety implications for opioid pharmacotherapy clients will be discussed. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E202589.
Samenvatting