Narcotics addiction treatment: behavioral methods concurrent with methadone maintenance

• Published in: International journal of the addictions Vol. 15; no. 3; p. 427
• Main Authors: Bigelow, G, Stitzer, M, Lawrence, C, Krasnegor, N, D'Lugoff, B, Hawthorne, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-01-1980
• Subjects: Adult; Behavior Therapy - methods; Humans; Male; Methadone - therapeutic use; Opioid-Related Disorders - rehabilitation; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); Rehabilitation, Vocational; Street Drugs
• ISSN: 0020-773X
• DOI: 10.3109/10826088009040028

Methadone maintenance patients were assigned among four treatment cells involving contingency management, emotionally-based behavior therapy, a combination of these, or a control condition receiving counseling but no behavioral treatment. With 60 patients who remained in treatment at least 6 months, treatment outcomes were compared using objective measures: hours employed, urinalysis results, and counseling participation. No significant differences were found between modalities. Case studies suggested that under appropriate conditions, contingency management might reduce illicit drug use. It is suggested that focused experimental studies may be more productive than broad clinical outcome evaluations.