PATIENT OUTCOMES AFTER INITIATION OF SABBATH CLOSURE OF A METHADONE-MAINTENANCE CLINIC IN ISRAEL

The study examined whether closing of a methadone maintenance clinic i n Israel on the Sabbath was associated with adverse patient outcomes. One take-home dose of methadone was given to all patients for that day regardless of whether they had earned take-home privileges. No differ ence was found in dropout rates for the six-month periods before and a fter Saturday closure was initiated. Results of random, twice-weekly u rinalyses for all patients did not indicate increased use of heroin. T he findings suggest that closure of a methadone clinic at least one da y a week does not jeopardize patient outcome. Cutting hours of operati on would reduce workload and enable clinics to function more economica lly.