Successful detoxification from methadone maintenance. Follow-up study of 38 patients.

Thirty-eight patients were successfully detoxified from maintenance with methadone hydrochloride. Contrary to results of most previous studies, a substantial number of individuals were found to have remained drug-free, employed, and uninvolved with the criminal justice system since detoxification. Almost half of those who returned to drug use have become reinvolved in treatment. Escalated alcohol use occurred during and following methadone maintenance.