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Alcohol consumption during methadone maintenance treatment
H Rittmannsberger1, C Silberbauer, R Lehner
1Coordination Bureau for Methadone Maintenance Treatment, Public Health Authority of Upper Austria, Linz, Austria. H.Rittmannsberger@aon.at
European Addiction Research
|March 24, 2000
Summary
Problematic alcohol use is common in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Many patients show persistent "alcohol indicators" throughout treatment, leading to worsening liver health compared to those without indicators.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is a significant concern for patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).
- Assessing alcohol use in MMT patients is crucial for treatment adherence and health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and stability of problematic alcohol use in MMT patients.
- To evaluate the impact of alcohol indicators on liver function parameters during MMT.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 68 patients undergoing MMT was assessed.
- "Alcohol indicators" were established using patient self-reports and laboratory results.
- Patients were evaluated at the start of MMT and at follow-up (mean duration 50 months).
Main Results:
- 52% of patients exhibited "alcohol indicators" for problematic alcohol use.
- 32% met criteria for alcohol abuse.
- Alcohol indicators were stable over time, present at both baseline and follow-up in 79% of affected patients.
- Patients with alcohol indicators showed liver parameter deterioration, unlike those without indicators who improved.
Conclusions:
- Problematic alcohol use is a persistent issue for a substantial portion of MMT patients.
- The presence of alcohol indicators during MMT is linked to negative health consequences, specifically liver damage.
- Continuous monitoring and intervention for alcohol use are vital in MMT.