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.