Diagnostic Value of Self-Report of Alcohol Use in Patients Enrolled in a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program (MMTP)

Screening for ethanol use amongst the methadone maintained population has been the subject of some debate over recent years. Of particular concern is the diagnostic value of self report of alcohol use in patients enrolled in a methadone maintenance program (MMTP). This study demonstrates unequivocally that denial of alcohol use by MMTP patients is completely unreliable when compared to urine testing. Conversely, admission of alcohol use by this same population has some value. This study concludes that routine ethanol screening is justified at baseline and at frequent intervals thereafter for all patients enrolled in a methadone maintenance program.