Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Addiction: Methadone
Open Access
- 16 April 2010
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Journal of Addictive Diseases
- Vol. 29 (2), 200-216
- https://doi.org/10.1080/10550881003684798
Abstract
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is the most widely available pharmacotherapy for opioid addiction and has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment over a period of 40 years. Although women comprise approximately 40% of clients currently being treated in MMT programs, comparatively little research geared specifically toward this group has been published. This article begins with an overview of neurobiological studies on opioid addiction, including a discussion of gender differences, followed by a review of the pharmacology of methadone. The authors then examine the particular needs and differences of women being treated in MMTs, including co-dependence with other substances, women's health issues, and psychosocial needs unique to this population. Research shows that women have different substance abuse treatment needs in comparison to their male counterparts. One New York City MMT program that has attempted to address these differences is highlighted.Keywords
This publication has 132 references indexed in Scilit:
- Bidirectional translational research: Progress in understanding addictive diseasesNeuropharmacology, 2009
- Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) gene variants: Possible association of the Val158Met variant with opiate addiction in hispanic womenNeuropsychiatric Genetics, Part B of the American Journal of Medical Genetics (AJMG), 2008
- ABCB1 (MDR1) genetic variants are associated with methadone doses required for effective treatment of heroin dependenceHuman Molecular Genetics, 2008
- A randomized trial of 6-month methadone maintenance with standard or minimal counseling versus 21-day methadone detoxificationDrug and Alcohol Dependence, 2008
- Depression in methadone maintenance treatment patients: Rate and risk factorsJournal of Affective Disorders, 2007
- Cocaine Abuse Sharply Reduced in an Effective Methadone Maintenance ProgramJournal of Addictive Diseases, 1999
- Alterations in Methadone Metabolism During Late PregnancyJournal of Addictive Diseases, 1999
- Availability of Reliable Serum Methadone Determination for Management of Symptomatic PatientsJournal of Addictive Diseases, 1995
- The Pharmacokinetics of Heroin in Patients with Chronic PainThe New England Journal of Medicine, 1984
- Stereoselective disposition of methadone in manLife Sciences, 1979