NCJ Number
143190
Journal
Evaluation Review Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: (June 1993) Pages: 243-270
Date Published
1993
Length
28 pages
Annotation
A quasi-experimental research design was used to analyze data from 993 narcotics addicts in southern California methadone maintenance clinics to determine whether methadone maintenance demonstrates rehabilitative or stabilizing effects on behavior over multiple treatment episodes.
Abstract
The sample consisted of white and Hispanic males and females. Participants were interviewed between 1978 and 1991 and provided retrospective, self-report information on their addiction histories. Nine measures, including the use of narcotics and other drugs, crime involvement, and employment were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results revealed that the observed patterns of behavioral changes clearly indicated stabilizing effects for most of the measures. However, no indication of cumulative rehabilitation effects was found. Findings provided further support for the effectiveness of methadone maintenance in controlling narcotics use and related behaviors, although no cumulative effect was observed. Findings suggested that a long-term treatment plan should be considered for drug- dependent individuals, retaining them for longer duration and facilitating return to treatment with minimal barriers. However, applying a uniform system to all addicts does not appear to be an optimal approach to improving treatment effectiveness. Figures, tables, notes, and 28 references