Beliefs About Methadone in an Inner-City Methadone Clinic

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Abstract
Despite being considered both the most effective treatment for beroin addiction and an essential tool in the prevention of buman immunodeficiency virus (HIV), methadone maintenance (MM) is often held in low esteem by beroin addicts—even those in MM treatment. This survey examined current beliefs and attitudes about MM of patients at an inner-city clinic, and the personal experience and attitudes of these patients with this treatment. Consenting patients in a methadone clinic serving a poor population with high rates of human immunodeficiency virus infection were queried about their attitudes toward and beliefs about methadone using a 16-item questionnaire. Over 2 days, 315 questionnaires were completed (acceptance rate 40%), totaling 32% of the 1000 clinic patients. Nearly 80% believed that methadone bad a positive effect on bis or ber life, but 80% were certain or unsure as to whether methadone is bad for one's bealth, and a similar percentage (80%) believed that discontinuing methadone was an important goal. Patients continue to have strongly negative attitudes toward and beliefs about methadone despite their acknowledgement that methadone has been very positive for them as individuals. As a result, many patients leave MM treatment prematurely, and there are usually unfilled slots in MM programs in New York City, even while continued need exists (e.g., less than 25% of the beroin addicts in the city are in treatment). The restrictive nature of many MM programs may account for these attitudes and beliefs.