Opioidikorvaushoidon nuorena aikuisena aloittaneiden palvelusiirtymät ja niiden taustatekijät

Abstract

The number of clients in opioid maintenance treatment is estimated to increase in Finland. There are no previous studies of young adults entering opioid maintenance treatment. We are studying, what changes occur in the service paths of young adults entering opioid maintenance treatment, when do these changes take place and what background factors are associated with them. Data were gathered from two opioid maintenance treatment units in one Finnish city during 2017–2022. Data consisted of clients who entered opioid maintenance treatment during 2017–2021 at ages 18–28 (N=127). Information of other service use in client and patient information systems were combined with data of service transitions. Used variables were service transitions which were considered positive, negative or neutral. Other study variables were age, gender, housing situation, visits to detoxification center and emergency accommodation. Data was analyzed using crosstabs with χ², Fisher’s exact test and Cramer’s V to assess effect size. The average duration of opioid substitution treatment in the study units was three years. A clear majority of clients (approximately 80%) experienced exclusively positive transitions. In contrast, 10% of clients underwent only negative transitions. The remaining 10% exhibited a mixed pattern, having experienced both positive and negative transitions. The most common transition among clients was starting rehabilitative work activity. Emergency accommodation was connected to negative transitions (imprisonment, discontinuation of treatment) and visits to detoxification center. Women entered opioid maintenance treatment younger than men. None of the clients died during follow-up period. Opioid maintenance treatment has potential to enhance clients’ life situation. None of the participants died during follow-up in opioid maintenance treatment, which is a significant observation in the context of drug-related deaths among young adults. Stable housing is crucial for effectiveness of opioid maintenance treatment. In the future additional study of experienced change in well-being of young adults entering opioid maintenance treatment is fundamental.