[Methadone substitution treatment. Results of an evaluation of 3 years implementation in an Austrian province].

Methadone maintenance treatment was introduced in Austria in 1987. The organisation of a methadone maintenance program in Upper Austria is described and the results of a follow up study 3 years after start of the program are presented. As positive effects of methadone treatment could be found an increase of time in work, a decrease of delinquency and a good compliance of HIV-positive patients with monitoring and treatment of their infection. Statistical correlations between social items and different outcome criteria are discussed.