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The Effects of Methadone Maintenance with Opioid Takers: A Review and Some Findings from One British City

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Roger Paxton ,
Patrick Mullin  and
Jack Beattie
Roger Paxton
Affiliation:
Charing Cross Clinic, 8 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow G3 7UL; and Southern General Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF
Patrick Mullin
Affiliation:
Charing Cross Clinic, 8 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow G3 7UL; and Southern General Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF
Jack Beattie
Affiliation:
Drugs Squad, Strathclyde Police, 50 Stewart Street, Glasgow
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Summary

Various benefits claimed for methadone maintenance in the treatment of opioid drug takers are reviewed. It is said to stop illicit drug use, maintain treatment contact, reduce morbidity, mortality and crime, and improve social adjustment. Little firm evidence is found to support these claims. Results are reported comparing 26 drug takers on methadone prescriptions with 16 illicit opioid takers. The measures used are Stimson's (1972) ‘Patterns of Behaviour’ questionnaire, and direct behavioural measures of social functioning. The groups are found not to differ in terms of treatment contact, work status and involvement with other drug takers. There is some evidence that the methadone group is involved in less criminal activity. However, no association is found between amounts of drugs prescribed and numbers of local pharmacy thefts. It is concluded that the benefits of methadone maintenance have been exaggerated.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 132 , Issue 5 , May 1978 , pp. 473 - 481
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1978 

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