NCJ Number
11101
Date Published
1973
Length
113 pages
Annotation
GUIDELINES FOR THE PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION OF METHADONE TREATMENT AND METHADONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS OF MODERATE SIZE.
Abstract
THE METHADONE TREATMENT MANUAL, ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE, ANSWERS MANY OF THE QUESTIONS SURROUNDING METHADONE TREATMENT AND MAINTENANCE, RANGING FROM THE ETHICS OF SUCH PROGRAMS TO THEIR EVERYDAY MANAGEMENT. THE DOCUMENT PROCEEDS ON THE PREMISE THAT WHILE METHADONE ITSELF IS NOT THE SOLUTION TO THE HEROIN PROBLEM, IT IS CERTAINLY A USEFUL TOOL IN THE OPERATION OF AN EFFECTIVE ADDICT REHABILITATION PROGRAM. STRESS IS PLACED ON HOW TO ORGANIZE AND ADMINISTER A SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT PROGRAM RATHER THAN ON HOW MERELY TO DISPENSE METHADONE. THE FOCUS IS PRIMARILY ON A TYPICAL METHADONE TREATMENT PROGRAM OF MODERATE SIZE SERVING APPROXIMATELY 150 PATIENTS. MUCH OF THE TEXT, HOWEVER, IS RELEVANT TO LARGER OR SMALLER PROGRAMS. THE NATURE OF METHADONE TREATMENT IS EXPLAINED IN DETAIL, INCLUDING ITS PHILOSOPHY, GOALS, BENEFITS, AND REGULATION. THE PATIENTS THEMSELVES ARE CONSIDERED, WITH A VIEW TO THE CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT THROUGH THE ADMINISTRATION OF METHADONE. IN EVALUATING METHADONE TREATMENT, THE MANUAL COMPARES THE PATIENT ON METHADONE WITH THE ADDICT ON STREET HEROIN. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT AN INDIVIDUAL IS BETTER OFF IN A METHADONE TREATMENT PROGRAM. DOSAGES, SIDE EFFECTS, AND OTHER MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS ARE DISCUSSED. OPERATIONAL ASPECTS SUCH AS PROGRAM PERSONNEL, PHYSICAL FACILITIES, SECURITY, AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS ARE EACH DEALT WITH IN TURN. APPENDED MATERIAL INCLUDES THE FDA REGULATIONS GOVERNING METHADONE AND VARIOUS SUPPLEMENTARY ARTICLES CONCERNING TREATMENT. THIS MANUAL WILL SERVE AS AN INVALUABLE REFERENCE SOURCE FOR THOSE PLANNING TO LAUNCH NEW METHADONE TREATMENT PROGRAMS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED) (SNI ABSTRACT)