FALSE!
While a significant minority of methadone patients become alcoholic, over 98% were heavy or problem
drinkers prior to their introduction to heroin. The statistics for cocaine abusers are
similar.
Methadone maintenance is not a treatment for non-opioid drug abuse. The patient who responds
best to methadone maintenance treatment is one who has a long history of opioid dependence, has
repeatedly attempted to cease such dependence without success, and one for whom opioids are the
primary substance of abuse.
Joseph, H. & Appel, P.; Alcoholism and methadone treatment: Consequences for the patient and program; American
Journal of Drug and Alcohol Issues; 1985,
II(1,2): 37-53
