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DIAGNOSIS-HEROIN ADDICTION - PRESCRIPTION - METHADONE PROGNOSIS - GUARDED

NCJ Number
64068
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (DECEMBER 1979) Pages: 24-31
Author(s)
J BLACKMORE
Date Published
1979
Length
8 pages
Annotation
METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR HEROIN ADDICTS ARE DESCRIBED. ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT ARE PRESENTED, ALONG WITH A REVIEW OF THE LATEST RESEARCH IN THE FIELD.
Abstract
NARCOTICS MAINTENANCE HAS A HISTORY GOING BACK TO THE TURN OF THE CENTURY WHEN HEROIN WAS USED TO CURE MORPHINE ADDICTIONS AND VICE VERSA. MORPHINE MAINTENANCE CLINICS WERE ACTUALLY RUN BY THE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN 1914 AND 1925. METHADONE MAINTENANCE WAS INTRODUCED IN THE 1960'S AS A MEANS TO STABILIZE ADDICTS AT A DAILY DOSAGE WITHOUT RISKING EFFECTS OF EUPHORIA AND WITHDRAWAL. EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE ADDICTION THROUGH CRASH PROGRAMS OF THE 1970'S BROUGHT GOVERNMENT-FUNDED METHADONE CLINICS TO EVERY STATE AND MAJOR CITY. HOWEVER, CRITICISM OF THE APPROACH CROPPED UP, THE STRONGEST COMING FROM THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITIES THAT PREACH TOTAL ABSTENTION FROM DRUGS AND ADDICT SELF-HELP. THE MAIN WEAKNESS OF METHADONE MAINTENANCE IS THAT IT TREATS SYMPTOMS RATHER THAN CAUSES. STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT METHADONE PATIENTS DO RESORT TO USE OF OTHER DRUGS AND DO EXHIBIT ADDICTION SYMPTOMS SUCH AS INEFFICIENCY, LETHARGY, HYPOCHONDRAISIS, AND DECREASED MOTIVATION. THREE WIDELY REPORTED SIDE EFFECTS OF METHADONE ARE CHRONIC CONSTIPATION, PROFUSE SWEATING, AND REDUCED SEXUAL DRIVE. THE MOST DISTURBING CHARGE AGAINST METHADONE IS ETHICAL: THE DRUG COULD BE USED AS A SOCIAL CONTROL AGENT. MOREOVER, DISPENSATION OFTEN HAS BEEN CONDUCTED WITHOUT ACCOMPANYING TREATMENT, A PRACTICE THAT IS NOW CHANGING AS METHADONE DETOXIFICATION IS BEING COMBINED WITH OTHER THERAPY. SCIENTIFIC TESTING IS IN PROCESS FOR A VARIANT OF METHADONE NEEDING ADMINISTRATION ONLY ONCE EVERY 3 DAYS. OPIATE ANTAGONISTS AND ENDORPHINS ARE ALSO UNDER CURRENT STUDY. ILLUSTRATIONS ARE INCLUDED. (MRK)