A pilot methadone maintenance program for heroin-dependent sentenced inmates in a men's prison in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was begun in 2002. One year later, data were collected from all 20 program partici-pants and a random sample of 40 inmates who did not participate. The data included (a) inmate self-reports concerning their drug use, attitudes about drug treatment, and expectations about behaviors upon release from prison, and (b) urine specimens for heroin and methadone testing. It was found that inmates enrolled in the program had been heavy users of heroin and reduced their heroin use by more than 94%. There was a high correlation between self-report and urine test results. Program participa-tion was associated with increased acceptance of methadone maintenance as a prison-based treatment for heroin dependence. The program appeared successful in reducing heroin abuse among heroin-dependent prisoners. Prison officials planned to expand the program.
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