Methadone maintenance treatment. When and how to refer patients.

Methadone, a long-acting oral narcotic analgesic, prevents withdrawal symptoms and craving over a 24-hour period in patients addicted to narcotics. Methadone maintenance treatment programs have been shown to decrease criminal behavior, improve psychosocial functioning, and decrease injecting narcotic use, thus reducing the spread of AIDS. For primary care physicians, knowing when and how to refer a patient to methadone maintenance treatment, as well as ensuring ongoing liaison with the treatment program, can help improve the quality and continuity of care for addicted patients.