STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING RETENTION IN METHADONE PROGRAMS

Data from the nationwide Treatment Outcome Prospective Study were anal yzed to develop strategies for increasing patient retention in methado ne programs. The sample comprised 351 daily or weekly heroin users who were admitted to 17 publicly funded methadone programs and completed intake, one month in treatment, and one-year follow-up questionnaires. The analysis suggests three strategies for increasing patient retenti on providing more high-quality social services, making programs more e asily accessible, and individualizing treatment. The analysis also ide ntifies characteristics of patients and programs to which these strate gies should be targeted to increase patient retention in methadone pro grams.