Methadone Maintenance: Myth and Reality

The authors attempt to place methadone maintenance programs in proper perspective by correcting some of the myths surrounding methadone itself and also narcotic addiction in general. They believe that the costs of maintaining a heroin habit are often exaggerated and that rates for abstinence from heroin after treatment, while initially low, tend to improve with time. On the other hand, methadone maintenance does have several specific advantages, which the authors outline. They give suggestions for the clinical implementation of some of their conclusions and also point to areas in need of further study.