Methadone Treatment of Opiate Dependence in Canada

Summary Although methadone has been used in Canada for the treatment of opiate‐dependent persons since 1959, information concerning its use in Canada is limited. Methadone treatment in Canada is discussed with respect to national and provincial drug laws, public and professional support for the treatment, patient characteristics, and the sources and types of illicit and licit opiates abused. The paper also reports on the results of a survey of the physicians in Canada who were authorized during 1981–82 to prescribe methadone to opiate‐dependent persons. These physicians were asked to provide information on the number of patients they treated with methadone during the previous 12 months, their indications) for the use of methadone, the dosages used and duration of treatment, and the auxiliary treatments provided. Information concerning specific provincial methadone treatment programmes is also presented.