METHADONE VS. L-ALPHA-ACETYLMETHADOL (LAAM) IN THE TREATMENT OF OPIATE ADDICTION - A METAANALYSIS OF THE RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED TRIALS

The authors conducted a meta-analysis of the reported randomized, cont rolled trials comparing methadone to L-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) to assess the efficacy of LAAM relative to methadone in the treatment of opiate addiction. All studies were conducted in standard outpatient op iate addiction treatment clinics. Most patients were men from lower so cioeconomic strata. A statistically significant risk difference favori ng methadone was detected for retention-in-treatment and discontinuati on of treatment because of side effects. The risk difference for illic it drug use favored LAAM, but was not significant A small treatment di fference in favor of methadone was noted. LAAM does appear to be a rel atively effective alternative in the treatment of opiate addiction, mo re so in certain select situations.