Sexual-risk reduction following the referral of syringe exchange registrants to methadone maintenance: Impact of gender and drug use

This study evaluates the impact of enrolling syringe exchange registrants in methadone maintenance on change in sexual-risk behaviors. Baltimore Needle Exchange Program (BNEP) registrants (n  = 210) participated in a parent study evaluating strategies for initiating methadone maintenance treatment and the study followed them for six months. Study staff administered the Risk Assessment Battery (RAB; Metzger, 1993) monthly throughout treatment. Staff conducted urinalysis testing weekl y. Results showed that treatment enrollment reduced sexual-risk behaviors at month 1, though a longer treatment duration provided no further reductions in risky behaviors.
Source: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research