METHADONE-MAINTENANCE TREATMENT - WHEN AND HOW TO REFER PATIENTS

Methadone, a long-acting oral narcotic analgesic, prevents withdrawl s ymptoms and craving over a 24-hour period in patients addicted to narc otics. Methadone maintenance treatment programs have been shown to dec rease criminal behavior, improve psychosocial functioning, and decreas e injecting narcotic use, thus reducing the spreads of AIDS. For prima ry care physicians, knowing when and how to refer a patient to methado ne maintenance treatment, as well as ensuring ongoing liaison with the treatment program, can help improve the quality and continuity of car e for addicted patients.