Patterns of heroin, cocaine, and alcohol abuse during long-term methadone maintenance treatment

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2005 Dec;29(4):259-65. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2005.08.002.

Abstract

Individuals' use of heroin, cocaine, and alcohol during long-term methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) was studied. Prospectively collected data from 103 heroin-addicted individuals who were consecutively admitted for MMT and remained 2 years in treatment were evaluated. The patients were assessed every 6 months with a standardized interview. Three longitudinal patterns of drug abuse were identified. A proportion of patients abstained fully from their particular drug use (26% from heroin, 39% from cocaine, and 19% from alcohol); a proportion (39%, 32%, and 47%, respectively) switched between periods of abuse and nonuse of these drugs; and chronic drug users (34%, 28%, and 33%, respectively) continued use, including periods of daily abuse throughout MMT. Different therapeutic interventions may be needed in patients with different longitudinal patterns of additional substance use during MMT.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / epidemiology*
  • Alcoholism / rehabilitation
  • Ambulatory Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Heroin Dependence / epidemiology*
  • Heroin Dependence / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Methadone / administration & dosage*
  • Narcotics / administration & dosage*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Substance Abuse Detection / statistics & numerical data*
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / statistics & numerical data
  • Switzerland

Substances

  • Narcotics
  • Methadone