Prescribing injectable methadone in general practice

The provision of injectable methadone remains a contentious treatment modality in the UK and has been identified as warranting special scrutiny by a variety of authorities. This paper presents the findings of a descriptive study into the rationale, methods and outcome of injectable methadone treatment by three general practitioners (GPs). Treatment rationale and methods were elicited from the GPs through a focus group interview. A structured survey form was used to gather patient sociodemographic and treatment data. Patients were administered a semi-structured questionnaire which sought their views on services and any changes in health and criminal status as a result of treatment. The findings indicate a clear rationale for the provision of injectable methadone and a range of treatment aims and parameters. Patients report a variety of treatment benefits including reductions in crime and improvements in health, and rate their current treatment more favourably than previous specialist treatment. The implications of these data are considered in relation to the current review and formulation of treatment guidelines within the UK.