METHADONE-MAINTENANCE THERAPY IN OPIOID D EPENDENCE

We report catamnestic and clinical results of a 7-year scientific tria l to explore possible benefits of methadone maintenance in opioid depe ndence. Between 1989 and 1996 59 (40 males, 15 females) long-term drug addicts (mean age 34 years, 15 history of substance abuse) were given methadone (average period/mean: duration of treatment 17 months), 21 of them were HIV-positive. Patients were offered a psychotherapeutic p sychosocial treatment. The catamnestic results shaw that of the 12 (20 %) of the patients who ended the treatment program as drug-free 6 were said to be in methadone maintenance treatment again on follow-up. Pat ients were continuously checked for consumption of other drugs. Substa nces preferably consumed were opioids (32%), alcohol (30%) and ampheta mines (18%). Patients were found to benefit from treatment concerning social integration. Further studies are necessary to explore methadone maintenance therapy in subgroups of opioid dependent patients and oth er pharmacological agents such as naltrexone or buprenorphine.