Improving outcomes in opiate dependence by understanding barriers and facilitators to opiate detoxification.

In 2021, approximately half of all drug poisoning
mortalities in England involved an opiate, the highest
number since records began. With a decline in completed
opioid detoxes (i.e. dose reduction and cessation of use),
the need for new medications to support abstinence is
urgent. Research in this area is underfunded and neglected.
The addiction team at Imperial College is the only group in
the UK conducting research into new pharmacological
targets for the treatment of opioid dependence. The
FORWARDS study aims to investigate the safety and
efficacy of baclofen to support detoxification from
methadone. To inform and optimise the implementation of
novel treatments, it is crucial to first understand why the
number of completed detoxes is declining, participant
motivations for recovery, and potential barriers to
abstinence.
My project aims to identify key facilitators and barriers to
the treatment of opioid addiction. It would use a mixedmethod
approach, analysing data from questionnaires,
semi-structured interviews, and current literature. It is
hoped the study would offer an understanding as to why
the number of completed detoxes is declining, and what
can be done to support those wishing to detox or whose
health may improve if abstinent. Findings would add huge
value to the trial by aiding the interpretation of efficacy
data, and can be embedded into future clinical and research
practice.