Experiences with a Combination of Group Therapy and Methadone Maintenance in the Treatment of Heroin Addiction

Abstract

This report describes the experience of a program for heroin abusers which combines some features of a therapeutic community with methadone maintenance therapy. The program utilized both ex-addict counselors and mental health professionals in group therapy sessions. The ex-addict counselors, while a valuable asset to a drug abuse program, demonstrated definite limitations. Our experience does indicate, however, that such a program can be set up within the confines of a general medical clinic, and that methadone maintenance and psychotherpay need not be looked upon as mutually exclusive but can be used together effectively in a treatment program.