Beliefs about methadone in an inner-city methadone clinic.
Despite being considered both the most effective treatment for heroin addiction and an essential tool in the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), methadone maintenance (MM) is often held in low esteem by heroin addicts-even those in MM treatment. This survey examined current beliefs and attitudes about MM of patients at an inner-city clinic, and the personal experience and attitudes of these patients with this treatment. Consenting patients in a methadone clinic serving a poor population with high rates of human immunodeficiency virus infection were queried about their attitudes toward and beliefs about methadone using a 16-item questionnaire. Over 2 days, 315 questionnaires were completed (acceptance rate 40%), totaling 32% of the 1,000 clinic patients. Nearly 80% believed that methadone had a positive effect on his or her life, but 80% were certain or unsure as to whether methadone is bad for one's health, and a similar percentage (80%) believed that discontinuing methadone was an important goal. Patients continue to have strongly negative attitudes toward and beliefs about methadone despite their acknowledgement that methadone has been very positive for them as individuals. As a result, many patients leave MM treatment prematurely, and there are usually unfilled slots in MM programs in New York City, even while continued need exists (e.g., less than 25% of the heroin addicts in the city are in treatment). The restrictive nature of many MM programs may account for these attitudes and beliefs.
Stancliff
Sharon
S
Harlem East Life Plan, New York, NY 10035, USA. sstancliff@pol.net
Myers
Julie Elana
JE
Steiner
Stuart
S
Drucker
Ernest
E
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D011203:Poverty; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019037:Urban Health Services
D008691:Methadone