[Methadone maintenance of HIV-infected drug addicts with immune deficiency]

The Norwegian policy on methadone maintenance is restrictive. Support is given to needle dispensing programmes, HIV testing and drug rehabilitation programmes. In contrast, the central health authorities have opposed any methadone treatment except for methadone maintenance for HIV infected drug abusers with immune deficiency and in need of AZT treatment. "Akuttinstitusjonen" (The detoxification unit in Oslo) and the Infectious Diseases Unit at Ullevål Hospital have developed a model for treatment programme in cooperation with the local health and social services. We describe six cases, and discuss experiences in relation to the Norwegian policy on drugs. We conclude that the positive factors outweigh the negative. Basically, it should be possible to apply the model throughout Norway. In Oslo the case load creates a need for specialized therapeutic team.