Project dates: October 2006 - September 2008
A significant proportion of clients in methadone maintenance treatment programs (MMTPs) continue to use illicit drugs after initiating methadone treatment. Continued drug use puts clients at risk for HIV and other blood-borne infections, as well as for drug overdose. This study evaluated the process and outcomes of implementing overdose prevention education, providing Naloxone prescriptions (a medication that is used to treat narcotic drug overdose), and other risk reduction education services at a clinic in the Beth Israel Medical Center MMTP system. Interviews were also conducted with senior MMTP management and state regulatory officials to identify potential institutional and regulatory barriers to the development of risk reduction services within drug treatment settings. The findings will enable identification of positive (e.g., risk reduction) and negative (e.g., resumption of drug use) outcomes from the implementation of these new services for MMTP clients, and analysis of institutional processes at all levels that shape the integration of risk reduction services and drug treatment.
Dr. Naomi Braine is currently affiliated with Brooklyn College, CUNY. Questions regarding this project may be sent to Dr. Braine.