It is difficult to escape the clutches of drugs, but not impossible. Thanks to improved treatments, the numbers of former drug users have increased. Two thirds of those addicted to heroin and crack (smoked form of cocaine) who undergo therapy or consumption drop significantly reduced, according to a study on the effectiveness of cessation programs in England.
The work, published in The Lancet, shows the evolution of more than 14,000 patients treated for at least six months. The numbers of abstinence during the 28 days before the last clinical review were high: 42% of heroin addicts and 57% of crack users.
A not insignificant percentage of those who failed to leave the substances were able, at least, reduce their consumption: 29% of those who were ‘hooked’ on heroin and 8% of those who smoked cocaine. (more…)
