Opioid Dependence: Scotland’s Prescription Strategies

Opioid Dependence: Scotland's Prescription Strategies

Opioid substitution therapy (OST) remains a cornerstone in the treatment of opioid dependence, providing crucial support to those struggling with addiction. In Scotland, the distribution and prescription of OST medications, such as methadone, oral buprenorphine, and Suboxone, have been meticulously tracked. This article delves into the latest statistics and findings from Public Health Scotland, highlighting the scope and scale of OST prescriptions across the nation.

Methadone Prescriptions

Methadone continues to be the most prevalent OST medication prescribed in Scotland. During the 2023/24 period, the number of methadone prescriptions was substantial, with a total of 416,092 paid items recorded. This equates to an average of 9.4 Defined Daily Doses (DDDs) per 1,000 population per day. Methadone was prescribed to a minimum of 20,540 individuals, underscoring its critical role in managing opioid dependence within the community.

Oral Buprenorphine Utilisation

Oral buprenorphine also plays a significant role in OST, though at a lower volume compared to methadone. In 2023/24, oral buprenorphine prescriptions amounted to 1.17 DDDs per 1,000 population per day. This medication was prescribed to at least 7,415 people for opioid dependence treatment, reflecting its importance as an alternative therapeutic option.

Suboxone and Injectable Buprenorphine

Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, was dispensed at a rate of 0.18 DDDs per 1,000 population per day during the same period. In the last quarter of the 2023/24 year, it was estimated that 3,716 individuals were prescribed injectable buprenorphine. This formulation provides an additional layer of flexibility in treatment, catering to diverse needs within the opioid-dependent population.

Comprehensive OST Patient Estimates

Drawing from the Prescribing Information System (PIS), the data suggests that in 2023/24, OST was prescribed to an estimated minimum of 28,537 people in Scotland. When including patients supplied with injectable buprenorphine through hospital stock order systems, this number rises to approximately 29,817 individuals. These figures highlight the extensive reach of OST programs in addressing opioid dependence across various healthcare settings.

Interpreting the Data

It’s important to approach these statistics with caution due to the variable quality of underlying data. As management information, these numbers provide insights into OST trends but should be interpreted in the context of potential data limitations. The data is sourced from collaborations led by Public Health Scotland, involving multiple public health and research entities, aiming to enhance public health information accessibility and inform health improvement strategies.

The landscape of opioid substitution therapy in Scotland is characterised by robust prescription practices, with methadone, oral buprenorphine, and Suboxone forming the backbone of treatment. This comprehensive data not only aids in understanding the current state of OST but also informs future public health initiatives and resource allocation strategies.

Source: Public Health Scotland

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