Quality of Life in Opioid Replacement Therapy: A Naturalistic Cross-Sectional Comparison of Methadone/Levomethadone, Buprenorphine, and Diamorphine Patients

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Research on quality of life (QoL) chronically ill patients provides an opportunity to evaluate the efficacy long-term treatments. Although it is established that opioid replacement therapy effective treatment for opioid-dependent patients, there little knowledge about physical and psychological functioning QoL different options. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> Altogether, 248 receiving substitution with either methadone/levomethadone (<i>n</i> = 126), diamorphine 85), or buprenorphine 37) were recruited in 6 German centers. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Sociodemographic data collected. – substitutes was assessed using <i>Profile Quality Life Chronically Ill</i> (PLC) questionnaire. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Patient groups similar regarding age duration dependence. Employment rate significantly higher (<i>p</i> < 0.005, ? 0.22) group (46%) compared methadone (18%). Dosage adjustments more frequent 0.001, 0.29) (55%) than (30%) (19%) patients. Buprenorphine rated their substantially ?<sup>2</sup> 0.141). Diamorphine reported a 0.078) overall improvement 0.060) methadone, but not (both <i>p</i> > 0.25). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Measurement important aspects indicates significant differences methadone/levomethadone, diamorphine, buprenorphine. This could be relevant differential addiction.