Emilis Subata, Egle Pinceviciute, Vaiva Povilaitiene, Leokadija Aleksa.
Vilnius Centre for Addictive Disorders, Gerosios Vilties 3, Vilnius Lt-2009, LITHUANIA

Substitution treatment with methadone was introduced in Vilnius Centre for Addictive Disorders in 1995. Between September 25 and December 31 59 patients were admitted into the treatment and they were the first methadone patients in the territory of the former Soviet Union. The aim of the study was to follow the health status of patients in methadone treatment from 1995 to 2002.
Characteristics of the patient group: From 59 patients admitted to treatment in 1995 there were 39 male and 20 females, 78% were older than 30 years, 54% injected opiates (poppy extract) more than 10 years. Before entering the treatment with methadone 10 (or 17%) had diagnosis of other mental disorders (6 schizophrenia, 4 brain organic syndrome). Most of the patients have been treated numerous times in detoxification wards. Treatments were usually followed by relapse to drug use.
Follow-up after 6,5 years: By July 1st, 2002 36 patients (61%) remained in treatment with methadone. 9 patients from that group has been detoxified from methadone and has been in drug free remissions from 1,5 to 3 years, but after relapse returned to methadone treatment program. 6 patients have been leaving methadone treatment more than 3 times, but the relapse was immediate and patients returned to treatment with methadone. In summarizing 26 from 36 patients (72%), who have been in methadone treatment 1995-2002 by July 1st 2002 had satisfactory and stable mental and physical and social status, while 10 had problematic health and social status (increased alcohol or illegal drug use, phlebitis, septicaemia).
During 1995-2002 7 patients from 59 (or 12%) had died. 1 patient has successfully detoxified from methadone, but died in the relapse from overdose. 3 patients have died from septicaemia, including 1 woman, who died after cardiac surgery. The reasons of death of remaining 3 patients were congenital heart disease, pneumonia and suicide.
Out 6 patients from 59 has been successfully detoxified and were socially stable (10%), 5 have returned to illegal drug use (including 1 patient, who was excluded from treatment for non compliance), 5 patients stopped treatment because of the imprisonment and 3 patients were lost (there is no data about them in the centre).
HIV/TB status. From 59 patients, 1 has been infected with HIV. 2 patients entered program with diagnosis of pulmonary and bone TB, which was successfully stabilized with TB treatment regimens in addition to methadone.

 
 
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