Strategies for increasing retention in methadone programs

Abstract

Data from the nationwide Treatment Outcome Prospective Study were analyzed to develop strategies for increasing patient retention in methadone programs. The sample comprised 351 daily or weekly heroin users who were admitted to 17 publicly funded methadone programs and completed intake, one month in treatment, and one-year follow-up questionnaires. The analysis suggests three strategies for increasing patient retention: providing more high-quality social services, making programs more easily accessible, and individualizing treatment. The analysis also identifies characteristics of patients and programs to which these strategies should be targeted to increase patient retention in methadone programs.