We wanted to find out whether continued use of drugs or alcohol impedes addiction treatment with methadone. We looked at the dose and things that make people stop treatment.
How was the study done?
Between 2005 and 2015, we talked to 823 people receiving methadone who said they used alcohol at least once. We asked about their experiences with interrupting methadone treatment and their drug use.
The VIDUS study involves people who use illicit drugs. The ACCESS study involves people living with HIV who use illicit drugs, mostly living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood. Researchers work with participants to look at how social, economic, physical, policy, and individual factors impact the health and well-being of HIV-positive illicit drug users. All participants do an interviewer-administered survey, and a clinic visit with a study nurse, every 6 months. (text taken from: http://www.bccsu.ca/access/ and http://www.bccsu.ca/vidus/)
What did the study find?
48% said they had stopped methadone treatment. Those who were homeless, or injected heroin daily, were more likely to stop methadone treatment. Those who also received other addiction treatment, received doses of at least 60 ml of methadone, or had Hepatitis C, were less likely to stop methadone treatment.
Heavy alcohol use was not linked to treatment discontinuation.
Why is continuous methadone treatment useful?
People who enroll in methadone treatment may continue to use illicit drugs and alcohol. There is a need to understand how to manage continuous drug use while receiving methadone treatment. Receiving therapeutic doses of methadone and also additional addiction treatment may reduce treatment interruption.
Study: Klimas, J., Nosova, E., Socías, E., Nolan, S., Brar, R., Hayashi, K., Milloy, M., Kerr, T., Wood, E. (2018) Factors associated with discontinuation of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) among persons who also use alcohol in Vancouver, Canada. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, May 1, Volume 186, Pages 182–186
Read about other similar research here.