Policy changes and the methadone maintenance treatment system for opioid dependence in Ontario, 1996 to 2001.
BACKGROUND
Until recently, the availability of methadone treatment in Ontario, Canada was limited. In 1996, policy changes were introduced to increase the availability of treatment. The 5-year impact of these policy changes is assessed.


METHODS
For these census data, descriptive statistics were used to examine changes in the patient and provider populations over time using data from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Methadone Maintenance Registry of Patients and the Registry of Methadone Prescribing Physicians.


RESULTS
Between 1996 and 2001, the total number of clients in treatment increased substantially from: 1595 to 7787. Over this time period, the number of physicians prescribing methadone increased from 60 to 161.


CONCLUSIONS
Policy changes resulted in substantial increases in the patient and provider populations across Ontario. However, the estimated low proportion of opiate users in treatment indicates that more efforts are needed to address the potential demand for treatment.
Strike
Carol J
CJ
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada, Carol_Strike@camh.net
Urbanoski
Karen
K
Fischer
Benedict
B
Marsh
David C
DC
Millson
Margaret
M
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009864:Ontario; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D009294:Narcotics; D008691:Methadone