Page 37 - 1

37
National Institute of Health published a consensus report
unequivocally supporting methadone treatment for opiate addiction,
and called for measures to increase patient access to this efficacious
treatment modality. The expert panel reviewed an extensive
bibliography of 941 references from the National Library of Medicine,
MEDLINE and other online databases.

Their conclusions based on overwhelming data supporting reduction in
mortality, morbidity, criminality, improved productivity through
improved functionality, and public health benefit through reducing
HIV/ Hepatitis C viral transmission from injection drug use are as
follows:

1. Opiate dependence is a brain-related medical disorder that can
be effectively treated with significant benefits for the patient
and society, and society must make a commitment to offer
effective treatment for opiate dependence to all who need it.
2. All persons dependent on opiates should have access to
methadone hydrochloride maintenance therapy under legal
supervision, and the US Office of National Drug Control
Policy and the US Department of Justice should take the
necessary steps to implement this recommendation.
3. There is a need for improved training for physicians and other
health care professionals. Training to determine diagnosis and
treatment of opiate dependence should also be improved in
medical schools.
4. The unnecessary regulations of methadone maintenance
therapy and other long-acting opiate agonist treatment
programs should be reduced, and coverage for these programs
should be a required benefit in public and private insurance
programs.

During 2005, internal outcomes data from Santa Clara County
Department of Alcohol and Drug Services (DADS) clinics showed
more than 75% of patients were effectively treated with low to
moderate dose ranges of methadone. Approximately 23% of patients
required doses in the higher ranges to achieve stabilization. Of 455
patients enrolled in Methadone Maintenance in DADS clinics during