Premium
The effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment: an overview
Author(s) -
WARD JEFF,
MATTICK RICHARD P.,
HALL WAYNE
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
drug and alcohol review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.018
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1465-3362
pISSN - 0959-5236
DOI - 10.1080/09595239400185431
Subject(s) - methadone maintenance , methadone , observational study , abstinence , heroin , randomized controlled trial , medicine , psychiatry , opioid , intensive care medicine , addiction , psychology , drug , receptor
This paper reviews the evidence for the effectiveness of methadone maintenance as used in the treatment of opioid dependence. Findings from randomized controlled trials and observational studies suggest that methadone maintenance reduces heroin use, crime, injection‐related risk behaviours and premature mortality among people dependent on opioids. The research further suggests that two aspects of treatment are important in ensuring this effectiveness. Methadone treatment is more effective when higher doses (>50 mg) are employed and, overall, the evidence suggests that a treatment goal of successful maintenance on methadone rather than total abstinence is appropriate. The importance of ancillary services in treatment outcome is less clear and is the subject of current research and debate. [Ward J, Mattick RJ, Hall W. The effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment: an overview. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:327–336.]