A Study of Some Failures in Methadone Treatment
Abstract
The authors conducted a follow-up survey of 66 patients who had dropped out of a methadone maintenance program. Six had died since discharge. Of the 53 who were located and interviewed, 34 had been hospitalized for physical or mental conditions or for detoxification. Though 13 had not been arrested since discharge, the others accounted for more than 110 arrests, 78 incarcerations, and 63 convictions. Except among the 15 who were then institutionalized, with abstinence enforced, the use of heroin continued to be a dominant activity: only two were in methadone programs and only two had been abstinent for a significant length of time. The authors believe that there should be a greater effort to retain addicts in methadone programs in order to improve their chances of rehabilitation.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).