Risk for alcoholism and methadone treatment. A longitudinal study.

To investigate the relationship between methadone and alcohol abuse, 60 male veteran narcotic addicts entering a methadone maintenance program were divided into either a problem drinker group (N = 21) or a normal drinker group (N = 39) based on their drinking histories and Breathalyzer tests at admission. Their performance was monitored throughout methadone treatment. Results showed no systematic changes in alcohol use. Problem drinkers tended to be involved in more criminal activity, showed more evidence of depression and anxiety, and were more likely to continue abuse of illicit drugs. These results suggest that stabilization was not etiologically associated with alcohol abuse.