Newly admitted patients from 2 comprehensive drug abuse programs in the Baltimore [USA] area were queried concerning frequency of illicit methadone use and availability of illicit methadone for a 3 mo. period prior to their admission. A significant percentage of applicants used illicit methadone prior to seeking treatment, and for the most part they were using program methadone presumably diverted from take-home medication from patients active in treatment programs in the Maryland area. The clinical and rehabilitative aspects of take-home medication were discussed.