Awareness of doctors of health care and possible therapy methods for alcohol and drug dependant patients in Latvia

Abstract

Aim is to investigate the knowledge of Latvian doctors about addiction treatment and healthcare possibilities in Latvia, to compare which methods are the best known to physicians, and which are offered to addicted patients. Work material and methods. Questionnaire was developed by researchers themselves, it contains 14 questions (about demographical data, treatment methods and their application). 250 questionnaires were distributed, 158 (63, 2%) were received. Results. Average age of participants – 43.7 years. 31,0% of respondents are psychiatrists, 13,3% – addiction specialists, 34,8% – other specialists (general practitioners, internists, health care doctors, neurologists and others), 12,0% – psychotherapists, 4,4% – surgeons, 1,9% – dentists and 1,9% – paediatricians. The best known were detoxification (98,2%) and suggestion (892%) methods. The least known methods for drug addicts were substitution therapy (73,4%) and rehabilitation communities (73,4%). The most recommended treatment method was Minnesota programme – 108 (68,4%) and detoxification 99 (62,7%), the least recommended – substitution therapy – 29 (18,5%). Conclusions. 17,1% of respondents do not meet patients with addiction problems, but 20,3% of respondents don’t recommend any of treatment methods. Although 73%-98% of respondents have information about treatment methods, only 18%-68% of respondents offer them.

Keywords

• dependence
• detoxification
• suggestive methods
• psychotherapy
• self-help groups