Background: Baltimore recently expanded treatment services for NEP participants by adding a LAAM-based mobile treatment service. This study compared entry rates and initial treatment response in NEP attenders referred to either program. Methods: Over a 329-day period in 1998-99, 174 NEP participants were non-randomly referred to either the mobile LAAM or MMT programs based on availability of slots in each setting. Comparisons were made regarding treatment entry and preliminary retention rates, baseline drug use and other drug use-related conditions measured by the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), and rates of NEP use before and after treatment entry. using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Results: No significant differences were found between NEP participants referred to mobile LAAM (n=121) versus MMT (n=53) on any sociodemograhpic variables (p>0.05). Treatment entry for mobile LAAM versus MMT referrals was slightly higher (70% vs. 57%, respectively, p=0.08). Baseline ASI scores were lower for LAAM versus MMT clients for the drug use (p=0.02), medical (p=0.05), and legal (p=0.02) indices. Despite less addiction severity among the LAAM group, early (3 month) retention was similar in both groups (78% for LAAM; 85% for MMT, p=0.27). Both groups also had significant reductions in NEP attendance comparing the 30 days prior to and 30 days after treatment entry (53% reduction for LAAM, p>0.0001; 61% for MMT, p=0.006). Conclusions: Despite differences in the structure and reporting schedule of mobile LAAM versus MMT, these data suggest comparable entry and early retention rates and subsequent NEP use for NEP attenders referred to these treatment programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in the session will be able to: 1) articulate the comparability between a mobile LAAM drug treatment program compared to a methadone maintenance program. 2) evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of mobile LAAM and methadone maintenance treatment programs that are offered to needle exchange program attendeers
Keywords: Drug Abuse Treatment, Injection Drug Users
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.