AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC EVALUATION OF LONG-TERM METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT FOR HEROIN ADDICTION

1 August 1974

journal article
research article
Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in American Journal of Epidemiology

Vol. 100 (2) , 101-112
https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a112012

Abstract

Gearing. F. R. (Columbia U. School of Public Health. New York. NY. 10032) and M. D. Schweitzer. An epidemiologic evaluation of long-term methadone maintenance treatment for heroin addiction. Am J Epidemiol 100:101–112, 1974.—Results are reported of a follow-up study of 17, 500 patients admitted to methadone maintenance treatment between January 1964 and December 1971. Four cohorts are identified by date of first admission representing changes in criteria for admission and the change from inpatient to ambulatory induction. Differences in demographic characteristics for each successive cohort are noted, as well as the increase in social productivity, and the decrease in anti-social behavior among the patients who remain in treatment. Data on the current status of those who left treatment are presented, and the effects of methadone maintenance on the death rate and the causes of death are discussed.

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