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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2002, 04, 2 (pages: 11 - 17)

Is craving for heroin and alcohol related to low methadone dosages in methadone maintened patients

Lubrano S., Pacini M., Giuntoli G., Maremmani I.

Summary: The craving for heroin, alcohol and cocaine of 84 heroin-addicted patients under Methadone Maintenance Treatment have been evaluated to highlight possible craving clusters, and to underline contingent correlations with clinical characteristics such as addiction history, positive symptom distress and methadone dosages. The results show a correlation between methadone dosage and a craving for heroin and alcohol. Patients treated with low dosages of methadone show more psychopathological symptoms and a stronger craving for heroin and alcohol. On this basis, the search for an appropriate methadone dosage should be viewed as crucial to the success of the treatment, because it minimizes alcohol and heroin craving, and reduces the risk of psychopathological symptoms during treatment.