The authors present data from a survey of four methadone maintenance
programs, five outpatient clinics, six nonresidential facilities, and nine
therapeutic communities affiliated with the Dade County Comprehensive Drug
Program. The treatment population included more blacks but fewer Latins
than the general county population. Primary drugs of abuse were narcotics
in methadone clinics and "softer" drugs in outpatient and nonresidential
facilities. Most patients were either self- or court referrals. Direct per
patient costs, which were lowest in the outpatient clinics, averaged
$1,041. The authors suggest that their data may aid other comprehensive
drug treatment programs in establishing guidelines.Abstract Teaser