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

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

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / mortality
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Methadone / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / mortality*
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Rate / trends

Substances

  • Methadone