Methadone Maintenance Therapy Decreases Arrests

Previous observational reports of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) suggest that MMT reduces criminal activity. Treatment with methadone often includes medication and counseling; interim methadone (IM) provides medication alone in an effort to reduce costs. In this clinical trial, investigators randomized patients awaiting entry into a comprehensive MMT program to receive either IM (n=198) or to a waiting list (n=119). Interim methadone, providing no counseling, was offered for up to 120 days. After controlling for potential confounders, investigators compared retention in treatment among patients in both groups at 6 and 12 months.

Published In: Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Health: Current Evidence a project of the Boston Medical Center issue September/October 2009. Access checked 1/10/10. Hillary Kunins, MD, MPH, MS