Edinburgh's community drug problem service--a pilot evaluation of methadone substitution

The intravenous drug abusers of Edinburgh are known to have a high prevalence of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). A new service for the treatment of drug abusers in Edinburgh was commenced in April 1988. In this service, oral methadone substitution is frequently used to try to reduce the level of behaviour known to increase the risk of transmission of HIV. A questionnaire-based pilot study of the outcomes of oral methadone substitution therapy in 24 clients is described. The results indicate that the therapy is acceptable and may have a significant effect in reducing risk behaviour.