Retention Rates among Methadone Patients: An Analysis of the New York Experience 1964–1976

Abstract

Concern regarding the capacity of methadone maintenance programs to retain patients in treatment for optimal periods has surfaced during recent years. This paper examines the New York City experience from 1964–1976 and reveals a sharp decline in retention rates, each admission cohort being characterized by weaker capacity to retain new admissions. The data suggest that the greatest change has occurred in the first months of treatment and note significant differences among various treatment programs.