Overall evaluation of treatment modalities for heroin addiction in a toxicology unit

A survey of treatment results is presented, using a variety of guidelines for the therapy of different features of heroin addiction in a toxicology unit. Data on 3,211 inpatients under treatment from 1972 are analyzed separately, as well as the follow-up status of 1,262 outpatients who were enrolled in a methadone treatment program. The results are discussed in terms of reliability of the programs and their risk-benefit ratios for the community.