National impact of a constraining regulatory framework on pregabalin dispensations in France, 2020-2022.

Background: Pregabalin is a drug approved for neuropathic pain, epilepsy and general anxiety disorder. However, pregabalin is also an increasing cause of diversion and misuse, and, for this reason, the French health authorities have decided in 2021 to classify it as a narcotic drug, requiring secured prescription pads. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of this measure on pregabalin dispensation patterns.

Characteristics of patients who are initiated on long-acting buprenorphine (Buvidal®) in France: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Aim: The long-acting buprenorphine Buvidal® is a recent type of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) used for opioid use disorder (OUD). It was initially suggested to preferentially use Buvidal® for specific OUD populations, including people in prison, or patients in recovery and on sublingual buprenorphine. We conducted a national study to examine whether the profile of patients treated with Buvidal® in France matched these initial recommendations.

Comparing methadone policy and practice in France and the US: Implications for US policy reform.

Despite being among the most effective treatments for opioid use disorder, methadone is largely unavailable in the United States, due primarily to federal and other policies that limit its availability and regulate clinical decisions about doses, visit frequency, and drug testing. There is unprecedented momentum to change decades-old US methadone policies. Yet uncertainty remains as to whether reforms will be adopted and how policies will be implemented.

Patterns and determinants of cannabis use in youth visiting an urban emergency department in France.

Background: Cannabis use frequently starts during adolescence and young adulthood and can induce psychosocial and health consequences. Young people constitute hard-to-reach populations. Emergency departments could constitute a key care setting to identify cannabis use and its consequences among young people.

Willingness to use a drug consumption room among people who use drugs in Lyon, France, a city with no open scene of drug use (the TRABOUL survey).

Background: Drug consumption rooms (DCRs) have been developed in cities with open drug scenes, with the aim to reduce drug-related harm. In Lyon, France's second-largest city, there is no distinct drug use area, which raised doubts regarding the need for a DCR.

Methods: We conducted a face-to-face survey of 264 people who use drugs (PWUDs), recruited in harm reduction or addiction treatment centers, in the streets or in squats.