Basic Issues Pertaining to the Effectiveness of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (From Compulsory Treatment of Drug Abuse: Research and Clinical Practice, P 178-191, 1988, Carl G Leukefeld and Frank M Tims, eds. -- See NCJ-115939)

• NCJ Number: 115944
• Author(s): J C Ball; E Corty
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This historical and sociological analysis of heroin addiction in the United States concludes that methadone maintenance can be effective, especially with respect to reducing illicit drug use and crime.

Abstract

Opiate addiction has a long history in the United States. The 500,000 heroin addicts who are currently concentrated in metropolitan areas constitute a major social problem for the nation, because of their self-destructive lifestyle and their antisocial behavior. Major findings regarding heroin addiction are that it has many causes, that no single approach or institution can solve the problem, and that ambivalent attitudes exist regarding treatment of drug abuse. All major treatment approaches for heroin addiction are successful for some patients, and most addicts who enter methadone maintenance programs improve. However, current evidence does not support a policy of compelling hardcore criminal addicts to attend existing methadone maintenance programs, because the chance for positive change is minimal and the probability of program disruption is high. In addition, current programs lack the staff and program resources to establish and maintain viable links between treatment programs and the criminal justice system. Table and 26 references.