title: Diversion of methadone: illicit methadone use among applicants to two metropolitan drug abuse programs.
abstract: Newly admitted patients from two comprehensive drug abuse programs in the Baltimore area were queried concerning frequency of illicit methadone use and availability of illicit methadone for a 3-month period prior to their admission. The results showed that a significant percentage of applicants had used illicit methadone prior to seeking treatment, and that for the most part they were using "program methadone" presumably diverted from take-home medication from patients active in treatment programs in the Maryland area. The clinical and rehabilitative aspects of take-home medication are carefully assessed in relation to these somewhat disturbing findings.
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D012646:Self Administration; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014505:Urban Population
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D008691:Methadone