Methadone maintenance treatment is the most widely known, well-researched and cost-effective treatment for opioid dependence (Reference Avants, Margiolin and SindelarAvants et al, 1999; Reference Krambeer, Vonmcknelly and PenickKrambeer et al, 2001). There are several substance misuse services, which provide this treatment in differing settings across the UK. The settings, resources and the prescribing patterns vary among these services, although they all work towards the same goal of helping addicts refrain from using heroin. A coherent picture of these different services would be useful in understanding their pattern of functioning and would have important treatment implications.

Studies in the UK have shown that for patients on methadone maintenance, daily doses of over 50 mg are associated with lower rates of heroin use (Department of Health, 1996). Research has also found that patients on higher doses of methadone have better outcomes (Reference Farrell, Ware and MattickFarrell et al, 1994). Community pharmacy surveys of methadone prescribing in the UK reveal that over 50% of patients receive doses lower than 50 mg (Strang & Sheridan, Reference Strang and Sheridan1998, Reference Strang and Sheridan2001). A recent survey of methadone prescribing at an inner-city drug service suggested that a significant minority of patients were on a sub-therapeutic dose (Reference DunnDunn, 2003). These findings have led to concerns that opiate-dependent patients are being undertreated.

Despite several pharmacy surveys, nationwide studies based on gathering information from the treating team are few. An important limitation of such pharmacy surveys is that patients who receive two prescriptions for different formulations of methadone, such as ampoules and oral mixture, are counted twice. Also, ‘patients on detoxification programmes, slow reduction regimes and methadone maintenance are grouped together in these studies, thus skewing the results to the left’ (Reference DunnDunn, 2003).

The aims of our study were to describe the characteristics of methadone maintenance treatment services across England, to determine the mean daily doses of methadone prescribed in maintenance treatments, and to determine the views of teams on the prescribing patterns.

Method

All treatment centres prescribing methadone for maintenance treatment of opiate-dependent patients were identified by searching the database of DrugScope (http://www.drugscope.org.uk). A questionnaire was developed by the researchers and a copy was sent by post, along with a covering letter to the team manager of each service in January 2004. Those who did not respond initially were sent a further copy 8 weeks later.

The questionnaire consisted of 18 questions, covering the following areas: the types of treatment services and medical staffing, methadone prescribing practices and the respondent’s views on methadone prescribing. Simple descriptive analysis (mean and percentage calculations) was carried out on the numerical data obtained.

Results

Out of a total of 298 substance misuse treatment centres identified, 212 centres returned completed questionnaires, giving a response rate of 71%. Three centres had closed down. Of the remaining 209 centres, 157 (75%) prescribed methadone for maintenance treatment of opiate addicts. Although the other centres prescribed methadone, this was for purposes other than for maintenance treatment, i.e. detoxification, slow reduction, etc.

Types of treatment service and medical staffing

The types of substance misuse treatment services that prescribed methadone for maintenance treatment are given in Table 1.

Table 1. Treatment services prescribing methadone for maintenance in substance misuse

Treatment service	n (%)
Community drug teams	112 (71)
Addiction treatment units	42 (27)
General practices	3 (2)
Total	157 (100)

A total of 125 centres (79.6%) had doctors attached to the team. In 32 centres (20.4%), the prescriptions were written by the local general practitioner (GP), who was not directly attached to the units. Forty-two (26.8%) treatment centres had one doctor, 50 (31.8%) had two doctors, 24 (15.3%) had three doctors and 9 (5.7%) had four doctors. In all, there were 68 consultant psychiatrists, 74 GPs, 78 staff and associate specialist doctors and 30 senior house officers. Altogether, 15 931 patients were attending the 157 treatment centres for methadone maintenance treatment and on average, 101 patients were attending each centre (range=2-1300).

Discussion

There is currently a move among substance misuse services, in line with general psychiatric services, towards community-based treatment. This is evidenced by a high proportion of community teams found in this survey (71%). The importance of non-statutory agencies in the treatment of opiate-dependent patients is highlighted by their significant numbers in our survey (27%). The involvement of GPs was indicated by the large numbers involved in care (74 out of 250 doctors, 30%).

In this survey, the proportion of services prescribing methadone tablets (21%) and methadone ampoules (11.5%) was higher than in other previous studies: the proportion of patients on methadone tablets in Dunn’s (Reference Dunn2003) survey was 17.2% and that in Strang & Sheridan’s (Reference Strang and Sheridan1998) survey was 9.5%. This may be an indication that such preparations are available in many centres, but the actual number of patients prescribed them is low. Since drug formulation has no independent effect on illicit drug use, the choice could depend on availability and patient preferences. The Home Office (2000) document Reducing Drug Related Deaths, advises against the prescribing of controlled drugs to drug users because of the risk of injecting. It states that ‘deaths would be reduced if agencies and GPs ceased to prescribe controlled drugs in tablet form or ampoules’.

We found that the mean daily dose of methadone per patient, per centre was 47 mg, which is lower than the Department of Health (1996) recommendation of a daily dose of over 50 mg. This finding is consistent with the findings from previous studies conducted in the UK (Strang & Sheridan, Reference Strang and Sheridan1998, Reference Strang and Sheridan2001). International research shows that patients on higher doses of methadone show better outcomes (Reference Ward, Hall and MattickWard et al, 1999). If lower doses mean poorer outcomes, the sub-optimal dose of methadone prescribing found in our survey is significant. Reasons remain unclear, although the fear of prescribing higher doses of methadone – ‘ opiophobia’ – and lack of urgency in changing the prescription style may be important contributory factors.

Very few treatment centres (4%) checked serum methadone levels as part of maintaining patients on methadone. It has been suggested that monitoring serum methadone levels is a much better way of determining the optimal dose of methadone than using arbitrary clinical judgement. Cost implications and resource limitations seem to be important practical considerations in this regard. Dunn (Reference Dunn2003) argues that if its use were restricted only to patients who persistently use heroin ‘ on top’ of their prescribed methadone, the cost would be less prohibitive.

The view expressed by nearly half (49%) the services that there should be a maximum and minimum dose limit for prescribed methadone is remarkable, as many centres continue prescribing sub-therapeutic doses. A substantial proportion (24%) of centres in our survey felt that methadone maintenance should be time-limited. The opinion of 13% of services that patients should receive only methadone substitution and no psychosocial interventions requires further exploration. The benefits of offering methadone substitution as part of a psychosocial treatment package have been clearly demonstrated (Reference Preston, Umbricht and EpsteinPreston et al, 2000). Hence, our survey demonstrates that despite the commendable services offered by most teams, many require greater understanding of methadone maintenance treatment.

This national survey demonstrates that under-prescribing of methadone for methadone maintenance treatment is still prevalent in many substance misuse services across England. This, combined with an inadequate understanding of the underpinning principles of methadone maintenance treatment by a substantial minority of treatment services, points to a need for further training of professionals involved in treating opioid-dependent patients.