LOW (40 MG) VERSUS HIGH (80 MG) DOSE METHADONE IN A 180-DAY HEROIN DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM

Methadone Transition Treatment (MTT)is a treatment program for opioid- addicted individuals that takes advantage of a 1989 change in federal guidelines permitting the establishment of 180-day detoxification prog rams. Thirty-eight subjects were assigned to either high-dose (80 mg) or low-dose (40 mg) methadone in a double-blind design. Both condition s showed initial dramatic decreases in illicit drug use and distress s ymptoms (opioid craving, withdrawal symptoms, and dysphoria). The high -dose condition showed a nonsignificant trend toward less frequent ill icit drug use during the period of stable methadone dosing. We specula te that intensive psychosocial treatment, including weekly individual counseling and three-times a week group therapy, may have dampened out come differences between high- and low-dose methadone conditions. Trea tment retention was high for both dosage conditions.