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Feasibility of referring drug users from a needle exchange program into an addiction treatment program: experience with a mobile treatment van and LAAM maintenance.

Abstract
We evaluated program entry, retention, and early treatment response of needle exchange program (NEP) attenders referred to a drug treatment program using levomethadyl acetate hydrochloride (LAAM). Of 163 referrals, 114 (70%) entered the program, and 84% were retained for at least 90 days. Comparing baseline and follow-up visits after 1 month, there were significant reductions in the Addiction Severity Index subscale scores for drug and alcohol use and legal situation. We observed a 31% and 22% reduction in heroin- and cocaine-positive urine tests, respectively (p < .0001). Although LAAM is no longer considered a first line treatment for heroin addiction, these results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing long-acting agonist therapies such as LAAM to treat opioid dependence among NEP attenders.
AuthorsIrene Kuo, Joseph Brady, Carol Butler, Robert Schwartz, Robert Brooner, David Vlahov, Steffanie A Strathdee
JournalJournal of substance abuse treatment (J Subst Abuse Treat) Vol. 24 Issue 1 Pg. 67-74 (Jan 2003) ISSN: 0740-5472 [Print] United States
PMID12646332 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
CopyrightCopyright 2003 Elsevier Science Inc.
Chemical References
  • Narcotics
  • Methadyl Acetate
Topics
  • Adult
  • Baltimore (epidemiology)
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders (epidemiology, therapy, urine)
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Heroin Dependence (epidemiology, therapy, urine)
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadyl Acetate (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
  • Mobile Health Units
  • Narcotics (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
  • Needle-Exchange Programs
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers (organization & administration)
  • Substance-Related Disorders (epidemiology, therapy, urine)
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

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