Diversion of methadone: illicit methadone use among applicants to two metropolitan drug abuse programs

Newly admitted patients from two comprehensive drug abuse programs in the Baltimore area were queried concerning frequency of illicit methadone use and availability of illicit methadone for a 3-month period prior to their admission. The results showed that a significant percentage of applicants had used illicit methadone prior to seeking treatment, and that for the most part they were using "program methadone" presumably diverted from take-home medication from patients active in treatment programs in the Maryland area. The clinical and rehabilitative aspects of take-home medication are carefully assessed in relation to these somewhat disturbing findings.