Patterns of heroin, cocaine, and alcohol abuse during long-term methadone maintenance treatment

Individuals' use of heroin, cocaine, and alcohol during long-term methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) was studied. Prospectively collected data from 103 heroin-addicted individuals who were consecutively admitted for MMT and remained 2 years in treatment were evaluated. The patients were assessed every 6 months with a standardized interview. Three longitudinal patterns of drug abuse were identified. A proportion of patients abstained fully from their particular drug use (26% from heroin, 39% from cocaine, and 19% from alcohol); a proportion (39%, 32%, and 47%, respectively) switched between periods of abuse and nonuse of these drugs; and chronic drug users (34%, 28%, and 33%, respectively) continued use, including periods of daily abuse throughout MMT. Different therapeutic interventions may be needed in patients with different longitudinal patterns of additional substance use during MMT. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.