Illicit methadone injecting during methadone maintenance treatment in a specialised out-patient clinic.

AIM The injection of non-sterile methadone designed for oral consumption is associated with serious health risks. There is only a small number of studies on this topic, with divergent results. The main aim of the present study was to obtain data on the frequency of methadone injecting in a state out-patient clinic specialised in substance use disorders. METHODS Eighty patients in methadone maintenance treatment were interviewed with a short questionnaire. Mean age was 32 years, 76% were male, mean methadone dose was 55 mg. RESULTS Twenty-six patients (32%) indicated having injected methadone at least once in their life. Only four patients (5%) reported having injected methadone within the preceding month (mean dose 56 mg). All four had injected additional substances during this month. CONCLUSIONS Frequency rates appeared low compared with other studies despite a generous take-away policy. The results suggest an association between methadone injecting and a more general tendency to inject substances.