STUDY OF SOME FAILURES IN METHADONE TREATMENT (FROM CRIME AND JUSTICE, 1970-1971, 1972, BY J SUSMAN - SEE NCJ-27315)

• NCJ Number: 27331
• Author(s): M E PERKINS; H I BLOCH
• Date Published: 1972
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: AMS Press, Inc
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF PATIENTS DISCHARGED FROM A METHADONE TREATMENT PROGRAM BEFORE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM.

Abstract

TEN PERCENT OF THE PATIENTS WERE FOUND TO HAVE DIED IN THE ONE TO THREE YEARS SINCE BEING DISCHARGED. NINETY PERCENT SAID THAT THEIR PROBLEMS, WHICH WERE PRIMARILY DRUG RELATED, HAD STAYED THE SAME OR WORSENED SINCE DISCHARGE. THE MAJORITY HAD BEEN ARRESTED AND CONVICTED OF CRIMES, AND HOSPITALIZED AT LEAST ONCE FOR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS OR DETOXIFICATION. AT THE TIME OF THE FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEWS, ONLY TWO OF FIFTY-THREE HAD BEEN ABSTINENT FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. THE AUTHORS CONCLUDE THAT EFFORTS MUST BE MADE TO RETAIN ADDICTS IN METHADONE TREATMENT PROGRAMS.