       Document 0638
 DOCN  M9650638
 TI    A review of patients on methadone maintenance.
 DT    9605
 AU    Taj R; Keenan E; O'Connor JJ; Dept. of Psychiatry, Mater Hospital,
       Dublin.
 SO    Ir Med J. 1995 Nov-Dec;88(6):218-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/96166126
 AB    This study involves a review of 178 patients on a strictly monitored
       methadone maintenance programme. All patients had a minimum of 9 years
       of intravenous drug misuse. 35.7% were HIV positive, 55.7% males and 29%
       females had previous prison sentences. On average patients had undergone
       3.26 out-patient and 0.9 in-patient detoxification. 46.1% had attempted
       rehabilitation in the past. Out of 25,470 urine samples obtained while
       on the programme, 10.8% were positive for opiates, 19.2% for
       benzodiazepines, 32.5% for cannabis, 4.92% for alcohol and 2.27% for
       amphetamines. Long history of misuse, multiple custodial sentences,
       previous unsuccessful rehabilitation and positive HIV status were
       associated with acceptance for maintenance. Frequency of urinalysis, and
       results triggering dose change can effectively reduce illicit drug use.
 DE    Adult  Alcohol, Ethyl/URINE  Ambulatory Care  Amphetamines/URINE
       Anti-Anxiety Agents, Benzodiazepine/URINE  Cannabinoids/URINE  Drug
       Monitoring  Female  Hospitalization  Human  HIV Seropositivity  Male
       Methadone/*THERAPEUTIC USE  Narcotic Dependence/*REHABILITATION/URINE
       Narcotics/*THERAPEUTIC USE/URINE  Patient Acceptance of Health Care
       Prisoners  Retrospective Studies  Substance Abuse,
       Intravenous/REHABILITATION  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

