title: Methadone maintenance treatment. When and how to refer patients.
abstract: Methadone, a long-acting oral narcotic analgesic, prevents withdrawal symptoms and craving over a 24-hour period in patients addicted to narcotics. Methadone maintenance treatment programs have been shown to decrease criminal behavior, improve psychosocial functioning, and decrease injecting narcotic use, thus reducing the spread of AIDS. For primary care physicians, knowing when and how to refer a patient to methadone maintenance treatment, as well as ensuring ongoing liaison with the treatment program, can help improve the quality and continuity of care for addicted patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: DeMaria
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Weinstein
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
chemical_list: D008691:Methadone