Opiate-seeking behavior under conditions of methadone detoxification and removal

This study was carried out to determine whether heroin-dependent persons, having completed methadone detoxification, can be maintained on an inert substance which has previously been associated with methadone. Forty heroin-dependent men and women were randomly allocated to either a "standard detoxification" group or a cordial substitution group. Results showed that subjects administered methadone-associated cordial after methadone detoxification could not be retained at the clinic for a time significantly beyond that of subjects in the standard detoxification group despite the inability of the subjects to accurately estimate methadone dosage. The role of cognitive factors is discussed.