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The Economics of Methadone Programs
Author(s) -
Boudouris James
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
british journal of addiction to alcohol and other drugs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.424
H-Index - 193
eISSN - 1360-0443
pISSN - 0007-0890
DOI - 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1975.tb00051.x
Subject(s) - methadone , public assistance , methadone maintenance , heroin , drug addict , medicine , addiction , business , psychiatry , family medicine , political science , drug , welfare , law
The number of methadone programs in New York City has increased in recent years to a total of 161 treatment programs for ex‐heroin addicts. Some of the economic implications of this are discussed. A follow‐up study of 112 dropouts and 110 active patients of one of the largest methadone maintenance programs provides an opportunity to compare the sources of financial support for these persons. Of the dropouts who went to other programs, 78 per cent were on public assistance, and this is almost identical to the 79 per cent of active patients at the program sampled who were on public assistance. This is about twice as high as the proportion of drug‐free dropouts who were on public assistance (38 per cent). Several interpretations are offered for these differences. The need for accurate monitoring and evaluation of drug‐treatment facilities is emphasized because it is as important that the tax‐payer not be short‐changed as it is that the addict or ex‐addict receives the kind of treatment that he or she needs to be able to lead a productive and autonomous life.