Improving outcomes in opiate dependence by understanding barriers and facilitators to opiate detoxification.

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In 2021, approximately half of all drug poisoningmortalities in England involved an opiate, the highestnumber since records began. With a decline in completedopioid detoxes (i.e. dose reduction and cessation of use),the need for new medications to support abstinence isurgent. Research in this area is underfunded and neglected.The addiction team at Imperial College is the only group inthe UK conducting research into new pharmacologicaltargets for the treatment of opioid dependence. TheFORWARDS study aims to investigate the safety andefficacy of baclofen to support detoxification frommethadone. To inform and optimise the implementation ofnovel treatments, it is crucial to first understand why thenumber of completed detoxes is declining, participantmotivations for recovery, and potential barriers toabstinence.My project aims to identify key facilitators and barriers tothe treatment of opioid addiction. It would use a mixedmethodapproach, analysing data from questionnaires,semi-structured interviews, and current literature. It ishoped the study would offer an understanding as to whythe number of completed detoxes is declining, and whatcan be done to support those wishing to detox or whosehealth may improve if abstinent. Findings would add hugevalue to the trial by aiding the interpretation of efficacydata, and can be embedded into future clinical and researchpractice.