What effect can methadone maintenance treatment have on the use of alcohol and other drugs?
Research outcomes are mixed regarding the effect of methadone maintenance treatment on the use of illicit drugs other than opioids. That is, some research indicates that methadone maintenance treatment is associated with decreases in the use of alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana; other research indicates increases in the use of these drugs. It is important to note that the medication methadone has no direct effect and is not intended to have an effect on rates of alcohol and other drug use. Patients receiving methadone maintenance who disengage from interactions with others who are actively using drugs are less likely to engage in these behaviors. In addition, reductions in alcohol and drug use result from the counseling services included in methadone maintenance treatment. When these services are specifically designed to reduce alcohol and other drug use, such reductions are likely. Research Highlights • In the Drug Abuse Reporting Program (DARP) studies, there were reductions in nonopio
