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Changes in cocaine use after entry to methadone treatment
S Magura1, Q Siddiqi, R C Freeman
1Narcotic and Drug Research, Inc., New York, NY 10013.
Journal of Addictive Diseases
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Methadone maintenance treatment reduced cocaine use and drug injection among addicts over one year. Depression and speedballing at admission predicted continued cocaine use, highlighting the need for integrated treatment.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Opioid dependence often co-occurs with stimulant use disorders.
- Methadone maintenance is a cornerstone treatment for opioid use disorder.
- Cocaine use complicates treatment outcomes for individuals in methadone programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in cocaine use among individuals in methadone maintenance.
- To identify predictors of cocaine use changes during treatment.
- To evaluate the impact of co-occurring depression on cocaine use.
Main Methods:
- A one-year follow-up study of 93 individuals admitted to methadone maintenance.
- Data collection included self-reported cocaine use, drug injection, depression symptoms, and speedballing.
- Statistical analysis identified predictors of cocaine use continuance/cessation.
Main Results:
- Cocaine use decreased from 84% to 66% at follow-up; mean days of use declined from 16 to 9.
- Drug injection decreased from 100% to 39% among those retained in the program.
- Depression symptoms and speedballing at admission predicted cocaine use changes.
Conclusions:
- Methadone maintenance can reduce cocaine use and injection drug use.
- Integrated treatment for depression is crucial for improving outcomes in dual-diagnosis patients.
- Addressing co-occurring substance use and mental health issues enhances treatment efficacy.