A randomized trial of an interim methadone maintenance clinic.
BACKGROUND
Interim methadone maintenance has been proposed as a method of providing clinically effective services to heroin addicts waiting for treatment in standard comprehensive methadone maintenance programs.


METHODS
A clinic that provided initial medical evaluation, methadone medication, and AIDS education, but did not include formal drug abuse counseling or other social support services was established in New York City. A sample of 301 volunteer subjects recruited from the waiting list for treatment in the Beth Israel methadone program were randomly assigned to immediate entry into the interim clinic or a control group.


RESULTS
There were no differences in initial levels of illicit drug use across the experimental and control groups. One-month urinalysis follow-up data showed a significant reduction in heroin use in the experimental group (from 63% positive at intake to 29% positive) with no change in the control group (62% to 60% positive). No significant change was observed in cocaine urinalyses (approximately 70% positive for both groups at intake and follow-up). A higher percentage of the experimental group were in treatment at 16-month follow-up (72% vs 56%).


CONCLUSIONS
Limited services interim methadone maintenance can reduce heroin use among persons awaiting entry into comprehensive treatment and increase the percentage entering treatment.
Yancovitz
S R
SR
Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10003.
Des Jarlais
D C
DC
Peyser
N P
NP
Drew
E
E
Friedmann
P
P
Trigg
H L
HL
Robinson
J W
JW
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D003932:Heroin; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009519:New York City; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000379:methods*; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000534:rehabilitation*
D003932:Heroin; D008691:Methadone