A psychoeducational approach to methadone maintenance treatment: a survey of client reactions

STAR, a methadone clinic in Portland, Oregon employs a psychoeducational approach in an attempt to provide coherent, comprehensive treatment in meeting diverse client needs. Two hundred and thirty-eight STAR clients completed a 133 item survey as part of an evaluative review of the efficacy of the psychoeducational model. Clients were asked about their perceived treatment needs and expectations, drug use, criminality, mental and physical health, social and economic stability, and their sense of self-worth and life satisfaction. Respondents reported that receiving methadone was the most useful and best liked aspect of treatment, followed by individual counseling, and education and skill classes. Clients indicated low rates of criminal behavior and drug use, but acknowledged high rates of psychological symptoms including depression, anxiety, and irritability, and rated as very important the need to reduce drug use and to improve health, to achieve a sense of life satisfaction, to enhance feelings about self and relationships, especially those with their children. A majority of the respondents had less than adequate income, and a substantial minority had less than a high school education. Longer time in treatment at STAR was associated with reduced heroin and cocaine use and improvements in social, economic and legal realms. The discussion focuses on implications for methadone treatment in general and possible modifications of the STAR program.