Program quality effects on patient outcomes during methadone maintenance: a study of 17 clinics.

This study was designed to replicate Ball and Ross's benchmark research, which was the first to identify a set of program quality factors for methadone maintenance programs and relate them to patient outcomes. Ball and Ross's treatment domain variables were measured in a new and larger sample of methadone clinics, and eight candidate program quality factors were derived. Both studies found that program factors defined by more frequent counseling contacts, higher director involvement with treatment, and more director experience were associated with lower drug use by patients during treatment.

Temporal patterns of heroin and cocaine use among methadone patients.

A sample of 1,038 patients newly admitted to 15 methadone clinics in New York City were studied for up to three years in treatment or until discharge. Cluster analysis identified distinct patient groups with very different heroin and cocaine usage patterns during treatment. About 80% either started in or transitioned to a low heroin use group and 50% either started in or transitioned to a low cocaine use group during treatment.

Pre- and in-treatment predictors of retention in methadone treatment using survival analysis.

Aims: To determine the effects of pre- and in-treatment variables on patient retention in methadone treatment.

Design: Retrospective longitudinal study of an admission cohort sample for up to 3 years of treatment or until discharge.

Setting: Six methadone maintenance programs operating 15 clinics in New York City.