The Study to Assess Longer-term Opioid Medication Effectiveness (SALOME) is a clinical trial that tests alternative treatments for people with chronic heroin addiction who are not benefitting sufficiently from current known treatments. SALOME compares two similar medications – diacetylmorphine, the active ingredient of heroin, and HDM. This study will also test if those effectively treated with these two injectable medications can be successfully switched and retained to the oral formulations of the medications.
Throughout the treatment period, an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers and counsellors are available to help participants achieve stability in their life, seek employment and find suitable housing. Some primary care services, HIV, hepatitis C and psychiatric care are also provided. At any time, participants can choose to switch to methadone treatment, to drug-free (abstinence) programs, to detox programs or any other option available.
A research team conducts individual assessments to determine if the treatments are being effective. This team works closely but independently from the clinical team and has no power over clinical decisions.