[Medical and psychosocial effects of methadone substitution in HIV infected substance-dependent patients]

After an average observation time of 12 months we can confirm that methadone substitution on an outpatient basis has proved significantly useful for a majority of chronically intravenously opiate-dependent HIV-infected patients of the stages CDC IV or WR 3-6 if methadone is given under controlled conditions, the improvement consisting in an amelioration of certain medical and psychosocial parameters. In 25 out of 30 patients methadone substitution resulted in termination of the previously existing intravenous heroin addiction. In the further course of treatment one of these 25 patients could then be induced to undergo a methadone withdrawal course followed by long-term withdrawal therapy. Since the patients were no longer dependent on heroin, they were no longer compelled to procure it under all circumstances, so that crime and prostitution connected with the pressure to obtain heroin by all means were now superfluous. This provided the most important prerequisites for medical and social care for the patients. The decisive factors determining the effectivity of substitution and hence a successful stabilisation are the integration of the patient in a network of care including the family doctor, outpatient HIV care by a relevant clinic, drug advice centre of AIDS help, and a Public Health Office. This also guarantees that the patients act responsibly in respect of their AIDS infection. In very few patients the permanent success of the treatment was at high risk due to unsatisfactory social care, lack of social security measures, progression of the underlying disease, a too low methadone dosage level, and partnership conflicts.