[Frequency of injection of oral methadone solutions at treatment center for opiate dependence]

A sample of 134 patients (mean age 29.35 years, SD = 5.84, 72.4% of all patients in treatment at this point of time) were interviewed on the injection of peroral methadone. 43% of patients indicated having injected peroral methadone, 21% in the preceding month with a mean frequency of 10.3 injections. All of the patients concerned were in maintenance either with peroral or with injectable methadone. There were no significant differences between males and females and between the maintenance program with peroral and the one with injectable methadone regarding number of persons concerned and frequency of injection. 75% of patients were aware of associated health risks, their knowledge about these risks being modest. Asked about the reason for the injection patients most often mentioned a faster and more intense effect of the injected methadone as well as dependence on the injection per se or the syringe.