Census of patients receiving methadone treatment in a general practice

Objectives: To describe the demographic characteristics, drug use and treatment outcomes of 121 patients currently receiving methadone treatment in an experienced inner-city general medical practice in Sydney, Australia. Methods: In a cross sectional survey of all patients receiving methadone treatment, self-reported data were collected by administered questionnaire. Results were corroborated with supervised urine tests, medical records and other documentary evidence wherever practicable. Results: Sixty-eight patients (56%) reported no heroin use in the previous six months. The mean duration opioid-free was 17 months. Morphine (heroin metabolite) was detected in 75 (7.4%) of 1009 random, supervised urine tests from 114 patients in a six month period. Employment rate increased substantially (28% vs. 56%). Patient's age, dose, duration in treatment: prison history and seroprevalence rates of HCV and HIV were found to be comparable with data from other reported experience. Conclusion: Outcomes from general practice based methadone treatment appear to be at least as satisfactory as from special clinics but offers the probable benefits of facilitating reintegration of patients into the general community and providing primary health care to this disadvantaged population.