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. 2003 May 21;70(2):193-200.
doi: 10.1016/s0376-8716(03)00002-4.

Survival study of opioid addicts in relation to its adherence to methadone maintenance treatment

Javier Esteban  1 , Carmen Gimeno, José Barril, Amparo Aragonés, José María Climent, María de la Cruz Pellín
Affiliations

Survival study of opioid addicts in relation to its adherence to methadone maintenance treatment

Javier Esteban et al. Drug Alcohol Depend. .

Abstract

Objectives: To study the putative role of methadone maintenance treatment in the improvement of life expectancy of opioid addicts.

Design: Retrospective longitudinal study.

Participants: All 1487 patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment in Alicante between June 1990 and December 1997.

Statistical analysis: Mortality rates were studied using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Protection or risk factors were analyzed using Cox's proportional hazards model.

Results: Mortality rates decreased from 87/1000 in 1991 to 17/1000 in 1997. The following factors influenced mortality: HIV infection [Hazard Ratio (HR)=7, 95% confidence interval (CI)=4-12]; current methadone status (HR=3.2, 95%CI=1.5-7.1) and MMT retention (retained vs. drop-out, HR=0.5, 95%CI=0.2-1.1; re-enrolled vs. drop-out, HR=0.3, 95%CI=0.2-0.5).

Conclusion: Expediting entry and re-enrolling in methadone maintenance treatment improves survival.

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