Abstract
Methadone Anonymous (MA) is a new 12-step fellowship developed for methadone maintained heroin addicts. A total of 53 MA members completed a survey assessing factors related to methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) entry, drug use, MA participation, beliefs concerning effectiveness of MMTP and MA, and level of social cohesiveness. Length of time in MA was associated with a decreased use of alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana. Clients rated components of MA to be significantly more helpful to recovery than MMTP treatment components. Affiliation to five MA members known best by the respondents was significantly greater than affiliation to non-MA members. Length of time in MA was positively associated with MA affiliation. Social affiliation and endorsement of 12-step principles were positively correlated. These findings suggest that MA participation has benefits not available in professionally driven MMTP, and should be further studied.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
McGonogle D: Methadone Anonymous: A 12 step program reducing the stigma of methadone use. J Psychosoc Nurs 1994; 32:5–12
Webster's Desk Dictionary of the English Language. New York: Gramercy Books; 1983
A Brief Guide to Alcoholics Anonymous. New York: Alcoholics AnonymousWorld Services; 1972
Wilson W: The society of Alcoholics Anonymous. Am J Psychiatry 1994; 151(June):259–262
Peyrot M: Narcotics Anonymous: Its history, structure, and approach. Intern J Addict 1985; 20:1509–1522
Galanter M: Zealous self-help groups as adjuncts to psychiatric treatment: A study of Recovery, Inc. Am J Psychiatry 1988; 145(Oct.): 1248–1253
Galanter M, Egelko S, Edwards H: Rational Recovery: Alternative to AA for addiction? Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 1993; 19:499–510
Goldfarb L, Galanter M, McDowell D, Lifshutz H, Dermatis H: Medical student and patient attitudes toward religion and spirituality in the recovery process. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 1996; 22:549–561
Galanter M: “Moonies” get married: A psychiatric follow-up study of a charismatic religious sect. Am J Psychiatry 1986; 143(Oct.): 1245–1249
Galanter M: Engaged members of the Unification Church: Impact of a charismatic large group on adaptation and behavior. Arch Gen Psychitary 1983; 40(Nov.): 1197–1202
Galanter M, Talbott D, Gallegos K, Rubenstone E: Combined Alcoholics Anonymous and professional care for addicted physicians. Am J Psychiatry 1990; 147(Jan.):64–68
Berenson D: A systematic view of spirituality: God and twelve step programs as recourses in family therapy. J Strat Syst Ther 1990; 9:59–70
Feagin J: Prejudice and religious types: A focused study of southern fundamentalists. J Sci Study Religion 1964; 4:3–13
AlcoholicsAnonymous1998 Membership Survey.NewYork: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services; 1999
Chatham L, Hiller M, Rowan-Szal G, Joe G, Simpson D: Gender differences at admission and followup in a sample of methadone maintenance clients. Subst Use Misuse 1999; 34: 1137–1165
Murray J: Effectiveness of methadone maintenance for heroin addiction. Psychol Rep 1998; 83:295–302
Milby J, Sims M, Khuder S, Schumacher J, Huggins N: Psychiatric co-morbidity: Prevalence in methadone maintenance treatment. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 1996; 22:95–107
Pani P, Trogu E, Contu P, Agus A, Gessa G: Psychiatric severity and treatment response in a comprehensive methadone maintenance treatment program. Drug Alcohol Dependence 1997; 48:119–126
Brecht M, Anglin M, Wang J:Treatment effectiveness for legally coerced versus voluntary methadone maintenance clients. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 1993; 19:89–106
Grella C, Anglin M, Wugalter S: Patterns and predictors of cocaine and crack use by clients in standard and enhanced methadone maintenance treatment. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 1997; 23:15–42
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Gilman, S.M., Galanter, M. & Dermatis, H. Methadone Anonymous: A 12-Step Program for Methadone Maintained Heroin Addicts. Subst Abus 22, 247–256 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012200712300
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012200712300