Correlates of retention on the South Australian Methadone Program 1981-91

To investigate correlates of retention on the South Australian Methadone Program during 1981-91. Retrospective study of a non-stratified random sample of 229 HIV-negative clients who received methadone between January 1981 and June 1991. Data were collected from clinical records of the 229 HIV-negative clients and also from the 40 clients known to be infected with HIV during the decade. Being HIV positive, receiving larger maximum doses of methadone, receiving methadone from a private pharmacy and enrolling later in the decade were all associated with longer retention times on the program. This study supports the findings of previous studies, that maximum dose of methadone is crucial to retention in methadone programs, But even allowing for maximum dose, obtaining methadone from a private pharmacy was also strongly associated with retention on the program. The more ‘humane’ clinic policy later in the decade is likely to have increased retention and reduced illicit drug use also.