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Methadone in Texas: Analysis of Treatment, Arrest, and Overdose Data

NCJ Number
164213
Author(s)
J C Maxwell
Date Published
1996
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This paper analyzes treatment, arrest, and overdose data for persons in Texas methadone programs for 1991 through 1995.
Abstract
The paper provides information on the characteristics of clients entering publicly and privately funded methadone programs in Texas, the relationship between arrestees testing positive for opiates and methadone for 1991 through 1995, and methadone overdose deaths for 1991 through 1994. The report finds, among other things, that: (1) heroin in Texas is primarily Mexican heroin, although white heroin is becoming more available; (2) heroin addicts and methadone treatment clients are aging; (3) in 1995, heroin addicts entering publicly funded methadone programs were more likely to be female, older, and employed and to have more family support; (4) most clients in Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse programs are persons of color, but overdose death data show that a substantial number of addicts are White; (5) persons who die of drug overdoses where methadone is mentioned are most likely to have used multiple substances; and (6) heroin and methadone use is positively correlated, as shown in the arrest and death data. Tables, exhibits, notes