CHANGING ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS OF STAFF WORKING IN METHADONE-MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS

Starting in 1989, an attempt was made to change the aim of methadone t reatment in NSW from abstinence to harm-minimisation. A study was unde rtaken to measure change in attitudes among staff working in public me thadone programs in Sydney. Using scales developed in a 1989 survey, w e found a statistically significant and meaningful reduction in suppor t for abstinence-oriented policies had occurred by 1992. There was no change in staff's support for the punishment of illicit drug use or th eir knowledge of the risks and benefits of methadone maintenance. This suggests problems with staff attitudes and, indirectly, the effective ness of public health interventions, can be addressed using educationa l campaigns.