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Published on: November 12, 2013
Ability to remain abstinent after methadone detoxification. A six-year study
JAMA
|March 21, 1977
Summary
Detoxifying from methadone hydrochloride maintenance is challenging. Most patients return to narcotic use, even after years of abstinence, indicating premature detoxification has high relapse rates.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Methadone hydrochloride maintenance is a common treatment for opioid use disorder.
- Detoxification from methadone is often pursued as a treatment goal.
- Long-term outcomes of methadone detoxification are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the long-term abstinence rates after detoxification from methadone hydrochloride maintenance.
- To identify factors associated with successful abstinence or relapse.
- To assess the risk of relapse to narcotic use post-detoxification.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal follow-up study of 335 individuals who underwent methadone detoxification.
- Data collection included tracking narcotic use, relapse, incarceration, and mortality for up to six years.
- Statistical analysis to correlate outcomes with treatment progress and duration.
Main Results:
- Of 269 individuals located, 35% remained abstinent, while 58% relapsed to narcotic use.
- Relapse occurred irrespective of abstinence duration, with 35% of relapses happening after three or more years.
- Staff assessment of progress and duration of methadone maintenance were significantly associated with continued abstinence.
Conclusions:
- Achieving sustained abstinence after methadone detoxification is difficult for many individuals.
- Premature detoxification is linked to a high rate of relapse to narcotic use.
- Long-term abstinence is possible but not a universally realistic goal for all patients.
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