The outpatient treatment of heroin addicts with methadone: a two- to five-year follow-up study.

This study is a two- to five-year follow-up of 40 patients who were discharged from a methadone maintenance program. Both "graduates" and prematurely discharged patients were surveyed. Forty-five percent of patients had been in treatment for one year or more. Outcome evaluation was based on a reduction of illicit drug use, an increase in social stability, and a decline in criminal activity. Eighteen of 40 clients were located and interviewed. Seven (39 percent) were found to be either drug free or using only prescribed methadone, and five had substantially reduced their drug use. Relapse to illicit drug use was associated with a pre-treatment history of poly-drug use, poorer work and arrest records, and a greater number of previous treatments. Abstinence appeared to be a realistic goal for only a few. The importance of retaining patients in treatment longer is discussed.