NCJ Number
29516
Journal
ADDICTIVE DISEASES, AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (1975) Pages: 491-512
Date Published
1975
Length
22 pages
Annotation
AN ARTICLE DESCRIBING THE RESULTS OF A METHADONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOCUSING ON DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DROP-OUTS AND NON-DROP-OUTS, AND PRE-AND POST-TREATMENT BEHAVIOR.
Abstract
DURING A TWO YEAR PERIOD (1971-1973), THE AMERICAN JUSTICE INSTITUTE CONDUCTED A LEAA FUNDED STUDY OF METHADONE MAINTENANCE IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. THE STUDY ADDRESSED CHANGES IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS, AND DRUG ABUSE, BETWEEN PROGRAM DROP-OUTS AND THOSE WHO STAYED ON THE PROGRAM. PATIENTS WHO STAYED ON THE PROGRAM SHOWED SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT WITH REGARD TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY COMPARED TO THE DROP-OUTS. IT WAS ALSO FOUND THAT THESE TWO GROUPS OF PATIENTS WERE DIFFERENT POPULATIONS WITH REGARD TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY PRIOR TO ADMISSION. ALTHOUGH THE PROGRAM DID NOT PRODUCE A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT, IT DID SHOW A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN EARNINGS FOR THOSE WHO STAYED ON THE PROGRAM. PATIENT DRUG USE SHOWED ANTICIPATED DECREASES FOR NON-DROP-OUTS. DATA SHOWED THE PROGRAM APPEARS TO WORK BEST FOR THOSE WITH LESS SERIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEMS.