Replacement of a Prescribing Service by an Opiate-free Day Programme in a Glasgow Drug Clinic

Summary Following a change in clinic policy from prescribing to non‐prescribing in 1983, patients attending an opiate‐free day programme differ significantly from a group which was previously described attending a methadone prescribing clinic in the same location, between 1981 and 1982. The opiate‐free programme patients were younger, more likely to be single and living with parents. They reported a similar level of criminality and drug‐related illness at a younger age and tended to approach the opiate‐free programme earlier in their drug career. Patients with a longer history of drug taking attend as often as those with a short history. Other factors influencing attendance are discussed. It is concluded that the younger opiate taker is more likely to approach an opiate‐free day programme than a methadone prescribing clinic.