Use and knowledge of contraceptive methods by patients in two substance use disorders treatment centers in Paris.

Background: Studies on contraceptive use by patients with substance use disorders (SUD) show a concerning low use of contraception. Mainly conducted in USA, they could be irrelevant to patients attending European SUD treatment centers, especially since these studies mostly investigate women suffering from social exclusion, severe material deprivation andopiates use with frequent high-risk drug use and sexual behaviors including sex trade, frequently not currently attending treatment centers. The purpose of this study is to describe contraceptive use by patients, both male and female, since contraception can not only be considered as a female problem, with severe SUD in two free clinics in Paris, France.

Management of hepatitis C virus infection in heavy drinkers.

Aim: Optimal management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is controversial in heavy drinkers. We compared the management of HCV infection of heavy drinkers with that of patients without a history of alcohol abuse.

Methods: In a retrospective case-control study, 69 HCV-infected heavy drinkers [daily alcohol consumption at referral above 60 g/day, hereafter 'alcohol group'] were compared with matched HCV-infected patients with low alcohol consumption (<40 g/day, 'control group').