Low (40 mg) versus high (80 mg) dose methadone in a 180-day heroin detoxification program

J Subst Abuse Treat. 1994 May-Jun;11(3):225-32. doi: 10.1016/0740-5472(94)90079-5.

Abstract

Methadone Transition Treatment (MTT) is a treatment program for opioid-addicted individuals that takes advantage of a 1989 change in federal guidelines permitting the establishment of 180-day detoxification programs. Thirty-eight subjects were assigned to either high-dose (80 mg) or low-dose (40 mg) methadone in a double-blind design. Both conditions showed initial dramatic decreases in illicit drug use and distress symptoms (opioid craving, withdrawal symptoms, and dysphoria). The high-dose condition showed a nonsignificant trend toward less frequent illicit drug use during the period of stable methadone dosing. We speculate that intensive psychosocial treatment, including weekly individual counseling and three-times a week group therapy, may have dampened outcome differences between high- and low-dose methadone conditions. Treatment retention was high for both dosage conditions.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect / drug effects
  • Behavior, Addictive / prevention & control
  • Behavior, Addictive / rehabilitation
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Heroin Dependence / rehabilitation*
  • Heroin Dependence / urine
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone / administration & dosage*
  • Methadone / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / rehabilitation
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Methadone