Access to treatment-related and support services in methadone treatment programs

Abstract

This study examines whether the mechanism through which a methadone maintenance treatment site offers seven treatment-related and support services is related to whether a patient receives such services. Mechanisms include the provision of services on-site, at another program site, or through formal or informal linkage arrangements. Analysis was conducted on a nationally representative sample of methadone treatment sites. Providing services on-site was found to be positively related to patient access to a majority of services, whereas, in general, offering services at another program site or through formal or informal linkages was not found to be effective. Not-for-profit or public ownership of treatment sites was also found to be positively related to patient access.