Are supplementary services provided during methadone maintenance really cost-effective?

摘要: Objective: Previous research has suggested that support services supplementing methadone maintenance programs vary in their cost-effectiveness. This study examined the cost-effectiveness of varying levels supplementary to determine whether relative alternative is sustained over time. Method: A group 100 methadone-maintained opiate users were randomly assigned three treatment groups receiving different during a 24-week clinical trial. One received with minimum counseling, second plus more intensive and third enhanced medical, psychosocial services. The results at end trial period have been published elsewhere. article reports an analysis 6-month follow-up. Results: follow-up reaffirmed preliminary findings counseling level provided most cost-effective implementation program. At 12 months, annual cost per abstinent client was $16,485, $9,804, $11,818 for low, intermediate, high support, respectively. Abstinence rates highest, but modestly so, high-intensity, high-cost intervention. Conclusions: suggests large amounts clients are not cost-effective, it also demonstrates moderate better than minimal amounts. As funding these reduced, suggest floor below which should fall. (Am J Psychiatry 1997; 154:1214‐1219)