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Abstract
A questionnaire (MSQ) was designed to evaluate subtle changes in subjective states accompanying methadone detoxification. A principal components analysis was applied to questionnaire data obtained from 29 male and female heroin-dependent persons at both moderate (42-22 mg) and low (21-1 mg) doses of methadone administration. Six factors were identified—a “schizophrenic” factor; general well-being; a mental outlook factor; a neurotic factor; a bipolar extroversionintroversion factor; a bipolar excitation versus euphoria-depression factor. A shift to a more negative mental attitude, and an increase in extroversion and excitability, was found with decrease in methadone dose.
Treatment of opiate dependence is likely to be more successful if it is based on, or at least takes into account, the preexisting subjective states or personality of opiate-dependent persons as well as the subjective effects of opiates. These factors are of particular importance as they are held to underlie the development of heroin dependence. The aims of the current experiment were first, to identify the subjective states of subjects undergoing methadone detoxification; and, second, to investigate any changes in the subjective states of subjects undergoing methadone detoxification, with change of dose.